EP0162156A1

EP0162156A1 - Means and method for controlling lumen output and power consumption of phoshor excitable lamps

Info

Publication number: EP0162156A1
Application number: EP84303426A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David E. Burgess
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1984-04-20
Filing date: 1984-05-21
Publication date: 1985-11-27

Abstract

Devices and methods for reducing power consumption and correspondingly reducing lumen output of a phosphor excitable lamp, such as a fluorescent lamp, connected to a source of power for operation of the same, without any appreciable loss of operating efficiency. A load limiting arrangement, often referred to as a load limiting control device, and which generally includes a capacitive element, alone or in combination with an inductive member such as a transformer is electrically connectable to one terminal of the phosphor excitable lamp. This device, when connected, is effectively electrically interposed between the lamp and the source of power in a series connection. In this way, the lumen output is reduced but with substantially uniform lumen output at the reduced level and the power consumption is reduced without substantially changing the voltage to the lamp and without any appreciable effects on the efficiency of operation of the lamp or the source of power.

Description

This invention relates in general to certain new and useful improvements in a means and method for reducing power consumption of one or more lamps in a circuit arrangement and correspondingly reducing lumen output to a uniform lumen output level, while maintaining efficiency of operation of the lamps and the power source connected to the lamps.
In many cases, conventional fluorescent light fixtures are constructed so as to physically retain and energize a pair of phosphor excitable lamps, such as fluorescent lamps. The ballast and circuitry in these fixtures are typically designed so that two lamps in a two-lamp fixture, for example, are essentially electrically 180 degrees out of phase. Two lights in a fixture or otherwise lights in pairs are employed to reduce the noticeable effects of flicker, even though the extra lumen output of the two lamps are not necessarily required.
"It is possible to eliminate one or more lamps of the fixture without appreciably reducing total light output so that inefficiency and eye fatigue do not result.
However, the removal of one of the lamps, particularly in a series connected circuit of the lamps resulted in a very substantial inefficiency of operation. If the remaining lamp was able to operate at all, depending upon the circuit configuration, then there was a resultant inefficiency in that the remaining lamp produced less light output for a given level of power consumption.
In order to obviate these problems, there has been an introduction in the market place of the so-called "phantom tube". These phantom tubes, in one embodiment, employ a capacitor connected between the sockets from which a lamp was removed, such as the type described in 0.8. Patent No. 3,956,665 to Westphal. In other cases, the phantom tube relied upon a non-reactive lamp circuit, as for example, as described in O.S. Patent No. 4,053,811 to Abernathy.
There has been at least one attempt to reduce power consumption and also lumen output in a circuit configuration as taught in U.S. Patent No. 4,135,115 to Abernathy et al. However, in the Abernathy et al Patent, the device which is utilized is rather complex and includes a step-up transformer, as well as a plurality of capacitors and a resistive element.
O.S. Patent No. 3,954,316 to Luchetta et al discloses a circuit for controlling the lumen output and power consumption of phosphor excitable lamps in a rapid-start circuit arrangement. Specifically, the Luchetta Patent discloses an inductive device such as a transformer with a capacitor connected across the primary and secondary coils of that transformer.
The present invention provides a means for limiting power consumption and lumen output of a phosphor excitable lamp connected to a source of power for operation of the same and which means permits such reduction without appreciable loss in efficiency or operation of either the lamp or the source of power.
The term ^*phosphor excitable^* in connection with a light producing, electrically operable lamp, is deemed to include those lamps which utilize an excitable phosphor in order to start or maintain operation of the same and include for example, the fluorescent lamp, the so-called ^Mcathode discharge" lamp and the electroluminescent lamp, etc.
The means for reducing the power consumption generally is a load limiting corrective means which may adopt the form of a circuit of a capacitive means or a circuit of a combination capacitive and inductive means, or both, and where the inductive means, or the capacitive means, or both, are electrically connectable to one terminal of the phosphor excitable lamp and is effectively electrically interposed between the lamp and the source of power in a series connection. This capacitive means is selected with a capacitive value so that the lumen output is substantially reduced but yet is substantially uniform at the reduced level. Moreover, the power consumption is substantially reduced without changing the voltage to the lamp and without appreciable effects on the efficiency of operation of the lamp or the source of power.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a means for limiting power consumption and lumen output of a conventional phosphor excitable lamp connected to a source of power for operation of same without any appreciable loss in efficiency of operation,-said means comprising:

a load limiting control device electrically connectable to one terminal of said conventional phosphor excitable lamp and to a socket which receives said lamp so as to be effectively electrically interposed between said lamp and source of power in a series connection, said control device being constructed so that it has a first section capable of fitting with respect to said socket and a second section offset from said first section and adapted to receive the end of said lamp where it was received by said socket so that one end of said lamp is slightly offset from said socket, said device comprising a capacitive means selected with a capacitive value so that the lumen ouput at the reduced level and the power consumption is reduced without substantially changing the voltage to the lamp and without any appreciable effect on the efficiency of operation of said lamp or -source of power.

preferably said load limiting control device is capable of being electrically connected without connecting or disconnecting anything other than said lamp.
Preferably also, said capacitive means has a capacitive value from about eight microfarads to about fourteen microfarads.
Desirably said first section comprises a first conductive element electrically connectable to a conductive receptacle in said socket and said second section comprises a conductive receptacle to receive a conductive pin on said lamp and a capacitor means connected across said conductive element and conductive receptacle in said second section.
Said first conductive element and receptacle in said second section may be electrically connected to said capacitive means.
Said device may be used to limit power consumption and lumen output of a plurality of phosphor excitable lamps in a series circuit arrangement of such lamps with respect to each other and with respect to a source of power for operation of said lamps, said device being adapted to be interposed between one of the lamps and the source of power.
The lamp may be a fluorescent lamp.
The load limiting control device may comprise a transformer having a primary and a secondary winding and capacitive means operatively connected with respect to said primary and secondary windings.
Preferably said means is capable of being electrically connected without connecting or disconnecting anything other than said lamp.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided load limiting control means as described above which is used for limiting power consumption, and correspondingly limiting lumen output of a conventional phosphor excitable lamp which is removably retained in a fixture having a pair of spaced apart sockets with each having a conductive terminal and which sockets retain and connect conductive end terminals of the conventional phosphor excitable lamp, and wherein said load limiting control means comprises:

(a) a housing having said first section which is sized and shaped so as to be capable of fitting in one of said sockets and a first conductive element connectable to a conductive terminal in said socket,
(b) said housing having said second section which is sized and shaped similar to a socket so as to be capable of receiving an end of the lamp, and having a second conductive element connectable to a conductive end terminal of said lamp,
(c) the capacitive means being located in said housing and connected to the two conductive elements so that said device creates a circuit path not created directly between the conductive terminal of the socket and the end terminal of the lamp but rather through the load limiting control means.

Preferably said load limiting electrical element is a capacitive means which is effectively electrically interposed betwen a source of electrical power for said lamp and said lamp, said capacitive means being selected with a capacitive value so that the lumen output is reduced but with substantially uniform lumen output at the reduced level and the power consumption is reduced without susbtantially changing the voltage to the lamp and without any appreciable effect on the efficiency of operation of said lamp or source of power.
Preferably also, the load limiting control means consists essentially of said capacitive means and an inductive means.
The means may have a capacitive value from about two microfarads to about fourteen microfarads, more preferably from about eight microfarads to about twelve microfarads.
In one embodiment of the load limiting means said first conductive element is a pin adapted to fit within a conductive receptacle in said socket and establish electrical connection with said socket, said second conductive element is a socket adapted to receive a pin on said lamp and establish electrical connection with a conductive terminal of said lamp, and an electrically conductive member is provided between said first and second conductive elements electrically connecting same to said capacitive means.
The load limiting means may be used to limit power consumption and lumen output of a plurality of phosphor excitable lamps in a series circuit arrangement of such lamps with respect to each other and with respect to a source of power for operation of said lamps, said means being adapted to be interposed between the conductive terminal of at least one of the sockets and the end terminal of €he lamp at that socket.
The lamp may be a fluorescent lamp.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for limiting power consumption and lumen output of a phosphor excitable lamp connected to a source of power for operation of same without any appreciable loss in efficiency of operation, said method comprising:

(a) disconnecting at least one end terminal of a lamp from a conductive terminal of a socket which received that lamp,
(b) electrically connecting one section of a load limiting device to one terminal of said phosphor excitable lamp and which one section has a size and shape somewhat similar to that of a socket,
(c) connecting another portion of the load limiting device to the socket from which the lamp was removed so that the end of the lamp is physically displaced from the socket so that a load limiting electrical element is electrically interposed between said lamp and source of power in a series connection, said element being selected with a value so that the lumen output is reduced but with substantially uniform lumen output at the reduced level and the power consumption is reduced without substantially changing the voltage to the lamp and without any appreciable affect on the efficiency of operation of said lamp or source of power.

Preferably said load limiting electrical element is a capacitive means and said method comprises physically interposing said capacitive means without connecting or disconnecting anything other than said lamp.
The capicitive means may have a capicitive value from about two microfarads to about twelve microfarads, more preferably from about eight microfarads to about twelve microfarads.
Desirably the power consumption and lumen output of a plurality of phosphor excitable lamps in a series circuit arrangement of such lamps is limited with respect to each other and with respect to a source of power for operation of said lamps and the load limiting device is interposed between at least one of the lamps and the source of power.
The lamp may be a fluorescent lamp.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a power consumption and lumen output control device for electrical connection between a conventional phosphor excitable lamp and at least one electrical conductor connected to a source of power for operation of said lamp, said device comprising:

a) housing means,
b) a load limiting electrical control circuit located within said housing, said control circuit comprising at least a capacitive means selected to have a capacitive value so that lumen output of said lamp can be reduced when operated at a reduced power level without susbtantially changing voltage to the lamp and without any appreciable effect on the efficiency of operation of said lamp or source of power therefor, and
c) quick connect and disconnect means on said housing adapted to receive a terminal end of said conductor which has been stripped of its insulation at said terminal end, said quick connect and disconnect means having retainer means automatically engaging and tightly retaining the stripped end of said conductor when inserted therein to maintain an electrical connection with said device operatively in circuit, and which retainer means, can be released to permit withdrawal of said stripped terminal end, thereby avoiding the necessity of stripping a pair of terminal ends, tying said terminal ends and wrapping the tied terminal ends with electrical insulation material.

Preferably said load limiting electrical circuit comprises said capacitor means and an inductive means.
Preferably also said load limiting electrical circuit comprises a transformer and which capacitor is connected across the coils thereof.
The lamps may be fluorescent lamps.
Desirably the load limiting control circuit in said housing means is connected to two conductive elements on said housing means and said conductor and another conductor are connected to said conductive elements so that said device creates a circuit path not directly between the source of power and the end terminals of the lamp but rather through the load limiting control circuit, to thereby limit power consumption and lumen output without appreciably affecting efficiency of operation of said lamp.
In one embodiment the quick connect and disconnect means comprises an aperture in said housing means with a spring-like retainer strip engaging a terminal end of a conductor when inserted in said aperture and engaging the end of the conductor against a portion of the housing means.
The aperture may be an aperture having a pair of ends and said stripped end of said conductor is inserted adjacent one of the ends of said aperture to be retained in said aperture, and where an implement can be inserted adjacent the first named end of said aperture to release said conductor and remove the terminal end of said conductor.
In another embodiment the quick connect-disconnect means comprises:

1) a section having an aperture therein adapted to receive an insulation stripped end of an external conductor,
2) said retainer means comprises a conductive spring-like strip within said aperture and being adapted to engage the insulation stripped end of the external conductor and bias same against a portion of said section,
3) a conductive element electrically associated with said strip and having means for connection to connect one of said conductors from the control circuitry and with other of .,the conductors from the control circuitry being connected to a conductive element in the second quick connect-disconnect assembly.

The conductive element may be held by a shoulder in the housing and retained in place by a closure member for the housing.
The closure member may have an outwardly extending tab which traps a portion of the conductive element between the closure member and the shoulder.
The device may be used to limit power consumption and lumen output of a plurality of phosphor excitable lamps in a series circuit arrangement of such lamps with respect to each other and with respect to a source of power for operation of said lamps, said device being adapted to be electrically interposed between one of the lamps and the source of power.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for reducing power consumption by and lumen output from a conventional phosphor excitable lamp which is connected to a source of electrical power by at least one electrical conductor, said method comprising:

a) severing the electrical conductor between the source of power and the lamp,
b) stripping the end of that conductor to remove insulation therefrom and provide an electrically conductive terminal end thereon,
c) providing a control device including a control circuit having a capacitive means selected so that lumen output of the lamp will be reduced at a reduced power level without. substantially changing the voltage to the lamp and without any appreciable effect on the efficiency of operation of the lamp and the source of power, and
d) inserting the terminal end of the conductor into an aperture in a quick connect - disconnect assembly of the control device so that the terminal end is automatically retained therein and held in electrical circuit therewith.

Preferably said conductor is removed by inserting an implement into the opening of the quick - disconnect assembly and releasing a retaining member which engages the spliced terminal end of the conductor.
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a conventional light fixture with phosphor excitable lamps mounted in the sockets thereof;
FIGURE 2 is a bottom plan view of the fixture of Figure 1 and showing a pair of phosphor excitable lamps mounted in the sockets thereof and with a load limiting control means of the present invention inserted between one of the ends of the lamps and one socket thereof;
FIGURE 3 is an exploded side elevational view, partially in dotted lines, showing the load limiting control means in relation to one end of a conventional fluorescent lamp and with respect to a pair of spaced apart sockets:
FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view, partially in phantom lines, and showing one form of load limiting control device used in the present invention;
FIGURE 5 is a somewhat schematic vertical sectional view showing the components forming part of the device of the present invention;
FIGURE 6 is an exploded side elevational view, somewhat schematic in nature, and showing the interposition of the device of Figure 5 with respect to an end of a lamp and a socket of the fixture;
FIGURE 7 is a vertical sectional view and shows a more detailed construction of one embodiment of a load limiting control device constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention;
FIGURE 8 is a vertical sectional view of a modified form of load limiting control device of the present invention;
FIGURE 9 is a side elevational view showing a phosphor excitable lamp inserted in a fixture with one of the load limiting control devices of the present invention;
FIGURE 10 is a schematic side elevational view, partially broken away, of Figure 9, showing in more detail, the portions of the load limiting control device and the means by which the phosphor excitable lamp is connected;
FIGURE 11 is a bottom plan view, partially broken away and showing an alternate arrangement for mounting a lamp in a fixture;
FIGURE 12 is a side elevational view, partially broken away, and in section, and showing the details of construction when using a pair of the load limiting control devices- of the present invention;
FIGURE 13 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of a load limiting control device of the present invention, adapted for use with the "rapid start" circuit arrangement;
FIGURE 14 is a schematic end elevational view of the embodiment of the load limiting control device of Figure 13 and used with the so-called "rapid start" circuit arrangement;
FIGURE 15 is an opposite end elevational view of the device of Figures 13 and 14;
FIGURE 16 is a schematic electrical circuit arrangement showing the electrical components in one embodiment of the load limiting control device of the present invention;
FIGURE 17 is a schematic electrical circuit view showing the use of a load limiting device of the present invention with one of the light emitting lamps in a two lamp fixture, in a modified form of "instant start" circuit arrangement:
FIGURE 18 is a schematic electrical circuit view, similar to Figure 16, and showing the use of a load limiting control device of the present invention used with one lamp in each of a pair of series connected fixtures in an "fnstant start" circuit arrangement;
FIGURE 19 is a schematic electrical circuit view, somewhat similar to Figure 18, but showing the use of the load limiting control device of the present invention used with one lamp in a pair of series connected lamps in a "rapid start" circuit arrangement;
FIGURE 20 is a perspective view of a modified form of a load limiting control device of the present invention which utilizes a quick connect and disconnect means:
FIGURE 21 is a top plan view of the modified form of load limiting control device of Figure 20;
FIGURE 22 is a top plan view, similar to Figure 21, and showing portions of the load limiting device in electrical schematic form;
FIGURE 23 is an enlarged vertical sectional view and showing a quick connect - disconnect assembly forming part of the device of Figures 20-22 of the present invention;
FIGURE 24 is an enlarged vertical sectional view, of a quick connect - disconnect assembly forming part of the device of Figures 20-23 and showing an extraction tool inserted into the quick connect - disconnect assembly;
FIGURE 25 is an end elevational view of a portion of the quick connect - disconnect assembly forming part of the device of Figures 20 through 24;
FIGURE 26 is a vertical sectional view of a portion of the load limiting control device of Figures 20 through 25 and showing certain of the details of construction;
FIGURE 27 is a schematic electrical circuit view showing the load limiting device of Figures 20 through 26 in an electrical circuit arrangement with a pair of fluorescent lamps;
FIGURE 28 is a schematic electrical circuit view showing the load limiting device of Figures 20 through 26 in a different electrical circuit arrangement with a pair of fluorescent lamps; and
FIGURE 29 is an electrical schematic circuit view showing a delay switch connected in conjunction with a load limiting device of the present invention.

Referring now in more detail to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 show a conventional fixture 10 of the type which holds and provides for energization and resultant lumen output of phosphor excitable lamps, e.g. fluorescent lamps.
The fixture is generally provided with an outer housing 12 having a generally rectangular shape, as illustrated. Moreover, depending from a bottom wall of the housing 12 are two pairs of connector plates 14 and 14' and 16 and 16', as more fully illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings. Each of the connector plates is provided with sockets of the type normally found ir conventional fluorescent light fixtures. Thus, for example, the connector plates 16 and 16' are provided with sockets 18 and 18' respectively. Moreover, these sockets are typically bayonet type sockets and include the conductors therein for creating ar electrical circuit through the phosphor excitable lamp, such as a lamp L.
Figure 6 schematically illustrates a pair of conductors 2C in the socket 18 of the connector plate 16. Moreover, and ir this case, the electrical conductors 20 which are often referrec to as "conductive terminals", are connected in spaced apart relationship. In this way, a single pin tube may be used tc establish contact between the two conductive terminals 20.
Also normally included within the housing, although it may be located elsewhere, is a conventional ballast 22. The ballast is electrically connected to the sockets and particularly the conductive terminals 20 in the sockets 18 and 18'.
The embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-8 is generally designed for, although not exclusively designed for, the instant start circuit and the embodiment in Figures 9_-14, is generally designed for the rapid start arrangement. In any event, the fixture is generally designated so that two or more phosphor excitable lamps, such as the lamps designated as L_l and L₂ in Figure 2, are connected in a series relationship with respect to each other or with respect to the ballast 22 or other power source. In like manner, the fixture may be provided with a fuse cup 24 for retaining a fuse in the electrical circuit including the ballast 22.
The typical fluorescent lamp comprises a tube 26, which is shown as having a straight glass tube, although the tube often adopts other shapes, as for example, a circular shape, or the like. One end of the tube is provided with a base or end cap 28 having one or more electrical terminals 30 at each end, often called "end terminals". A similar end cap 32 having one or more terminals 34 (one as shown) is located at the opposite end of the tube 26.
Figure 3 is a somewhat schematic representation of the alteration occuring in the circuit arrangement when a load limiting control device of the present invention is used with one or more lamps. The device is always used in a series connection with a single lamp with respect to a power source. In the event one or more lamps are connected with respect to a power source, such as a ballast, in a series arrangement, the load limiting control device is also always used in a series circuit connection.
The term ^*power source" is also deemed to include that source of electrical power which may be the line power such as a 110 volt AC electrical -circuit, or otherwise, the ballast itself. Thus, in some cases, the input power is introduced directly into the ballast, as in the so-called "instant start" arrangement. Nevertheless, the ballast in this case is also deemed to be the power source or a part of the power source.
In the embodiment of the device illustrated in Figures 1-7, the device is often referred to as a "capacitive device" inasmuch as the primary electrical control element is capacitive in nature. In this case, it can be observed that the device A included a disc like housing 36 which is capable of being fitted within the socket 18 of the connector plate 16. Moreover, the end pin or end terminal of the lamp is adapted to be inserted into the housing 36, in the manner as hereinafter described.
The load limiting or capacitive device A of the invention is more fully illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings. In this case, the device A includes the outer housing 36. Moreover, included within the outer housing 36 is a first electrically conductive element 38 which is provided with a projection 40 extending beyond the housing. In this case, the projection 40 has essentially the same size and overall shape as the terminal pin 30 of the lamp. In addition, the housing 36 is sized to extend into the socket or at least a portion of the socket 18, as aforesaid. Thus, when the housing is so inserted, the projection 40 will contact the conductors 20 within the socket, much in the same manner as the end pin 30 on the lamp L. It should also be understood, in connection with the present invention, that when bi-pin or double-pin lamps are used, the device A would also be provided with a similar pin arrangement. This latter double-pin arrangement is usually employed with the rapid start circuit arrangement. The device A also includes a second electrically conductive element 42 which is spaced from and insulated from the conductive element 38 by an electrically non-conductive element 44. The housing is also provided on its right-hand end, reference being made to Figures 5 and 6, with a recess 46 which opens into the conductive element 42. Thus, when the load limiting control device A of the invention is used, the end terminal or pin 30 on the lamp L will extend through the recess 46 and contact the conductive plate 42.
By reference to Figure 6, it can be observed that the housing 36 is preferably in the form of a relatively thin disc- like member. Where the capacitor cannot be included in the housing, a pair of leads 48 and 50 are connected to the respective electrically. conductive elements 38 and 42 and which are in turn, connected to a capacitor 52. The capacitor itself may also be enclosed within a suitable housing, in the manner as illustrated in Figure 4.
The load limiting control device is also designed and sized so that it is capable of being disposed within a socket of the connector plate. However, it should be understood that the capacitive device could be designed so that it fits over the end of the pin on the tube, with the prong of the device extending into contact with the conductive elements in the socket.
In the embodiment of the device as illustrated,. it can be observed that the housing 36 is preferably formed of an electrically non-conductive material. In this way, if a capacitor is still charged when one attempts to remove the capacitive device, there will be no potential damage or injury.
When any of the load limiting control devices of the invention are used, an entirely different circuit path is established. In this case, as opposed to a circuit path being created from the terminal, e.g. the terminal pin 30 on the lamp directly to the conductive terminal 20 in the socket, the path is created through the terminal pin 30, the conductive element 42, the capacitor 52, the conductive element 38, projection 40 and then the conductive terminal 20.
The capacitor has a capacitive value established so as to minimize any power factor loss or load control loss and to maintain a high degree of efficiency of operation. The capacitive value may range from about eight microfarads to about fourteen microfarads and preferably should range from about two microfarads to about twelve microfarads.
It has been found that on the average, electrical power reduction is about 30% in a two lamp circuit arrangement and the illumination is reduced about 27%. Equally important is the fact that the ballast and the lamps and the like of these components are not damaged.
Figure 7 illustrates one preferred embodiment of a device B which may be used. In this case, the device B generally comprises an outer housing 54 which is preferably formed of a non-conductive material and which is provided with a central opening 56 along one of the flat walls thereof. Located within the housing 54 is an electrically conductive strip 5F which is curved and shaped so as to form a shape similar to that of the projection 40. Moreover, the shape of the strip 58 which forms this projection is similar to that of a pin, such as the terminal pin 30 on the lamp. The strip 58 does not extend all the way into the housing but is spaced apart from a similar strip 60 which is secured within the housing 54 and extends outwardly therefrom to aid in the formation of a shape equivalent to that of the projection. Also located within the housing 54 is a second conductive strip 62. The conductive strip 58 is connected to a first electrically conductive wire 64 by means of a clamp 66. A second electrically conductive wire 68 is connected to the strip 62 by means of a clamp 70, also in the manner as illustrated in Figure 7. These two electrically conductive wires 64 and 68 would be suitably connected to a capacitor, such as the capacitor 52.
The right-hand end of the housing 54 is provided with a recess 72 having a size and shape similar to the terminal pin 30 on any one of the fluorescent lamps. In this case, the recess is at least partially open so that a terminal pin on the lamp will contact the conductive strip 62 located adjacent to the recess.
Also located within the housing 54 is an insulator which surrounds the conductive strip 62 and electrically insulates the same from the conductive strip 60 or the conductive strip 58 which forms the projection. In this way, the equivalent structure of that illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 is achieved.
Figure 8 illustrates a device C which is designed to fit over the end of a pin on a fluorescent tube and have a projection thereof extend into the socket of the lamp. The device C generally comprises an outer housing 80 which is preferably formed of an electrically non-conductive material, such as a plastic, or the like. Extending outwardly from one side of the housing 80 is a metallic prong 82 which is of a size similar to that of a pin on the end of a fluorescent lamp. Thus, this projection 82 is sized to extend within the socket which normally receives a conventional fluorescent lamp.
The projection 82 is provided with an outwardly flaring flange 84 serving as a terminal within the housing 80. An electrically conductive wire 86 is connected to this flange 84. In addition, a cylindrically shaped ring 88 is also located on the opposite side of the housing with respect to the projection 82 and is effectively electrically insulated by the housing from the flange 84. The ring 88 is also electrically connected to a conductive wire 90. Moreover, the conductors 86 and 90 are connected to a capacitor of the type previously described.
Figure 17 illustrates an "instant start" circuit arrangement in which a pair of fluorescent lamps L₁ and L₂ are connected in series. In this case, a load limiting control device, e.g. a capacitive device, has been used with the lamp L₂-Figure 18 illustrates a circuit arrangement very similar to Figure 17 although two such fixtures using the instant start circuit arrangement are connected in series. Here again, the capacitive device is shown as being located in conjunction with the lamp L_l in one of the fixtures and a similar lamp L_l in the next adjacent fixture. No capacitive devices are used in connection with the lamps _L2in either of these fixtures.
Figures 9-16 and 19 more fully illustrate an embodiment of the invention used with the so-called "rapid start" circuit arrangement. In this case, a load limiting control device designated by reference numeral 100 and forming this embodiment of the invention is used to connect a typical conventional rapid-start lamp _L1 to the sockets 18 and 18', respectively, in connector plate 14 and 14' which form part of a conventional fluorescent lamp fixture. In the instant-start lamp arrangement, typically one pin is centrally located on each of the opposite ends of the lamp and the fixture is adapted to have one pin receiving aperture on each of the opposite sides to receive the associated pins. In the rapid-start circuit arrangement, the lamps are typically provided with a pair of spaced apart conductive pins or terminals on each of the opposite ends of the lamp.
In the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, it can be observed that one end of the lamp (the right-hand end, as illustrated) is normally inserted into the socket 18' of the connector plate 14'. However, the opposite, or left-hand end of the lamp L as shown in Figures 9 and 10, is displaced downwardly from the socket 18 in the connector plate 14 in the final connected position. Rather, the left-hand end of the lamp L is connected to a first portion of the load limiting control device 100 and which also has a second portion connected to the socket 18 and the connector plate 14.
The load limiting control device 100 is more fully illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 and generally comprises a main outer housing 102 preferably formed of an upper section which is designated by reference numeral 104 and the lower section which is designated by reference numeral 106. The outer housing 102 is preferably formed of a molded plastic material.
The outer housing 102 is preferably formed with the upper section 104 and the lower section 106 in such manner that the upper section 104 is capable of being inserted into a socket in the fixture and the lower section 106 is capable of receiving one end of the lamp L. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, as well as Figures 13-15, it can be observed that the upper section 104 is actually the upper section when fitted within the socket of a fixture. The conventional fluorescent lamp is normally inserted into a socket and rotated approximately 90 degrees to be retained therein.
Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of the invention where one end of the tube is fitted within one socket of the fixture and the opposite end of the tube is fitted within the load limiting control device. However, when in the final mounted position, the second end is offset laterally from the other end or first mentioned end of the tube as opposed to being disposed below the first mentioned end of the tube. The lateral offset is preferred where tolerance space is not sufficient for two or more lamps in certain fixtures.
The lower section 106 is formed of a front wall 107, and a rear wall 108 connected by a bottom wall 109. A somewhat U-shaped upper wall 110 connects the front and rear walls in the manner as illustrated, and as best seen in Figures 13-15. The somewhat U-shaped upper wall 110 actually forms a receptacle constructed and arranged so as to receive the end portion of a conventional phosphor excitable lamp. The front and rear walls 107 and 108 respectively, along with the bottom wall 109 and upper wall 110, are all integrally formed together, and form an upper load limiting electronics receiving compartment 112.
Disposed over the right-hand end of the housing 102 and rigidly secured thereto is an end wall 114 to enclose the upper load limiting control electronics compartment 112. At its left-hand end, the housing 102 is similarly provided with an end wall 118 which is typically adhesively secured to the housing 102.
Integrally formed with the lower end of the end plate 118 is an extended section 120 which is designed with an internally formed socket 122, the latter also having a pair of spaced apart pin receiving receptacles 124. In this case, the pin receiving receptacles 124 are each located and sized so as to receive the pair of end pins on the lamp L.
The upper housing section 104 is similarly provided with a pair of outwardly struck spaced apart pins 126, which protrude through the'end plate 118, and which are located and sized so as to extend into the pin receiving receptacles 127 formed in the socket 18 on the connector plate 14.
Located within the load limiting control electronics component compartment 112 is a capacitor 128 and a transformer 130, the latter primarily serving as an inductive device. Furthermore, a temperature sensitive current control device, as for example, a so-called "thermal cutoff" 132, is also connected in series with the capacitor 128 and is also connected across a primary coil 134 and a secondary coil 136 forming part of the transistor or similar inductive device. This electrical circuit arrangement is more fully schematically illustrated in Figure 16 of the drawings.
The electrical components in the compartment 112 are electrically connected to the pins 126 and also to the pin receiving receptacles 124 in the desired electrical arrangement. The physical connections therefore are more fully illustrated in Figures 13-15 of the drawings.
The capacitor 128 is again interposed in a circuit arrangement so as to alter the original electrical circuit path between the source of power and the lamp. This holds true even with the presence of the inductive device, as for example the transformer 130, and even the inclusion of the temperature control device 132.
When further considering Figures 9-10 and 12-15, it can be realized that the lamp is initially inserted within the receptacle created by upper wall 110. Thereafter, the lamp is rotated in the device until it is retained therein. Next, the pins at the opposite end of the lamps L are inserted into the socket 18' and the pins 126 are inserted in the pin receivinc receptacle 127. Thereafter, the lamp and the device are simultaneously rotated along the axis of the lamp, 90 degrees s< that the lamp is slightly below the original socket.
Figure 12 of the drawings illustrates an embodiment of the invention where a load limiting control device 100 is used at the left-hand end of the fixture and a load limiting control device 140 is used at the right-hand end of the fixture. The load limiting control device 140 is substantially identical to the load _"limiting control device 100 as previously described, except for the fact that the load limiting control device 140 does not include any of the electronic components as previously described.
The load limiting control device 140 does not establish any different form of electrical circuit path, since the alteration of the circuit path is created by the load limiting control device 100. The device 140 permits both ends of the lamp to be located essentially at the same elevation.
In one specific embodiment of the device 100, the housing 102, has an overall vertical dimension of approximately two inches, the end walls 114 and 118 each have an approximate thickness of about 0.080 inches in maximum. In addition, the socket formed by the wall 108 has a radius of approximately 0.750 inches. Further, the diametrical center point of the socket is spaced from the lower edge of the housing 102 by approximately 1.0 inch.
Figure 19 illustrates a socket arrangement using one standard form of rapid start ballast designated by reference numeral 142. The ballast is connected to a pair of lamps L_l with the load limiting control device inserted with respect to the lamp ^L ₁. The most efficient results have been obtained when the capacitor 128 has a value of approximately 3.5 microfarads.
A 4 microfarad capacitor was used in the device and was connected in series with one of the fluorescent lamps in a two lamp fixture. The lamps gave off 65 foot candles with a 0.80 amp and 120 volt power source and which created 88 watts of active power. However, there was 97.2 watts of apparent power. The power factor was approximately 90.5% with an apparent 54% savings in energy.
In another embodiment, a 5 microfarad capacitor was used with an input power of 0.80 amps and 120 volts presenting 96 watts of active power. In this case, it was determined that there was a 100% power factor with no loss of power whatsoever but with a significant reduction in the amount of power used to illuminate the lamps.
With a 2 microfarad capacitor, it was found generally that the power was reduced about 50% although the lumen output was reduced approximately 60%. Therefore, while the invention is operable with capacitors having a capacitive value of less than 33 microfarads and greater than 6 microfarads it is preferable to employ capacitors within the range of 4 to 5 microfarads.
Figures 20-26 illustrate a load limiting control device 150 which can be "hard-wired" directly into the circuit. While this embodiment of the invention does not use an adaptive device for interfitted positioning between a socket and an end of a lamp, it is nevertheless highly efficient in avoiding wire tying and wrapping. The load limiting control device 150 generally comprises an outer housing 152 in the form of a rectangular casing. The housing 152 is normally provided with a cover plate 153, hereinafter described in more detail, but which has been removed in Figures 21 and 22 for purposes of clarity and for more fully illustrating the present invention.
The load limiting control device 150 comprises and includes within the housing 152 an inductive device, such as a transformer 154, a capacitor 156 and a bleeder resistor 158. Referring to Figure 21, it can be observed that the transformer 154 comprises a primary coil 160 and a secondary coil 162. The capacitor 156 is connected across the coils 160 and 162 in the manner as illustrated. Furthermore, a fuse 164 may be interposed in the same path as the capacitor 156. Finally, the bleeder resistor 158 is connected in parallel with the capacitor 156. A pair of conductors 166 from the primary coil 160 are connected to the interior end of a quick connect and disconnect assembly 168. In like manner, a pair of conductors 170 from the secondary coil 162 are connected to the interior end of another quick connect and disconnect assembly 172.
Each of the quick connect - disconnect assemblies 168 and 172 are substantially identical in construction and one of these assemblies 172 is more fully illustrated in Figures 23-26 of the drawings. The quick connect - disconnect assembly 172 is generally comprised of an outer housing section which may be an integrally formed extension or protrusion 174, in the manner as illustrated in Figures 20-26 of the drawings. The extension or protruberance 174 is provided with a pair of conductor receiving openings 176 and which are designed and sized to receive the insulated ends of electrical conductors of the type normally found in ballasts and lighting fixtures. The openings 176 lead into tapered apertures 178 having an inner end of reduced diameter. The openings 176 have a pair of upper lugs 180 which cause them to be of a non-circular cross-section at their upper ends for facilitating insertion of a eo-called "extraction tool ".
Located within each of the openings of each of the quick connect and disconnect assemblies 168 and 172 are spring-like conductive retainer strips 182. The retainer strip 182 may be secured to the lower portion of the recess at point 184 in the manner as illustrated. An electrical conductor 186 having a stripped terminal end 187, that is a conductor wire without electrical insulation, can then be inserted into the opening 176. The stripped terminal end of the conductor will bias the innermost end 188 of the retainer strip downwardly along the tapered aperture wall as best illustrated in Figure 26.
When it is desired to remove the terminal end 187 of the conductor from the Quick connect - disconnect assembly 172, a suitable implement, such as a screw driver, S is inserted into the opening 176 between the spaced apart legs 180 along the upper portion thereof. The flat end of this implement, such as a screw driver, will thereupon force the innermost end 188 of the retainer strip 182 downwardly, as shown in Figure 26, thereby permitting release and withdrawal of the terminal end 187 of the conductor 186.
Located interiorally within the housing and forming part of the quick connect - disconnect assemblies are chamber forming walls 190 which form interior chambers 192 and which are in communication with the apertures 178. Furthermore, each of the retaining walls 190 are provided with horizontally extending shoulders 194 and which extend toward the outer end wall 152. In this way, a conductive connector strip 196 is located within the housing and retained by the shoulder 194 and the chamber forming wall 190. The conductive strip 196 has a vertically disposed leg 198 located over the inner end of the aperture 178. In this way, a stripped terminal end 187 will engage the vertical leg 198. In some embodiments, the inner end 188 of the retaining strip 182 can be connected to the vertical leg 198.
The cover plate 153 is also provided with a pair of spaced apart downwardly projecting tabs 200 integrally formed on the under surface of the plate 153. The tabs 200 will engage a horizontally disposed leg of the conductive connecting strip 196 as well as a vertical leg portion thereof in the manner as illustrated in Figure 26 and thereby hold the conductive connecting strip 196 in place. The electrical conductor 170 can be connected to an inner end of the connector strip 196.
The cover plate 153 is also provided at its opposite ends with grooves 201 designed to receive screws or like fastners for securement to the under surface of a light fixture. The cover plate 153 may be provided with adhesive strips 204 on its upper surface and which are provided with releaseable backings for adhesively securing the device 150 to a suitable supporting structure.
It is only necessary to cut 'wires leading to a ballast, strip the terminal ends and merely insert the terminal ends into the quick connect and disconnect assemblies 168 and 174. Thus, it is not necessary to engage in stripping an end portion of another wire, tying the wires together and thereafter wrapping same to provide electrical insulation.
Wires are inserted adjacent the lower portion of the opening and over the leaf contacts 182. When it is desired to remove the wire, it is only necessary to insert the blunt but narrow end of an extraction tool such as the tool S into the opening 176 adjacent the upper portion, as shown in Figure 24. The end of the extraction tool will bear against the spring retaining leaf or blade 182 and bias the same downwardly, thereby permitting the terminal end of the conductor to be removed.
Figure 27 illustrates a circuit arrangement using the lumen control device 150 of the invention. In this case, it can be observed that the conductors from a secondary winding 202 in a transformer or ballast 203 to the heater or filament coil in a fluorescent tube 204 are severed and trimmed so that insulation around the terminal portions of the conductors are removed, exposing the conductor wire. The conductive terminals are then inserted into the quick connect - disconnect assemblies as previously described so that the load limiting control device 150 is inserted into the circuit. It can be observed that it is not necessary to connect another load limiting control device 150 in circuit between another transformer secondary coil 206 and a filament coil in a second fluorescent lamp 208.
In many cases, particularly in other electrical supply systems, starter switches 210 are often located within the circuit arrangement. The starter switches 210 are illustrated in dotted lines in Figure 27 since they are, in many cases, not employed. When the starter switch is present, it is sometimes necessary to bypass the starter switch or to provide an auxillary form of delay-start bypass switching circuit. One such delay bypass switching circuit is more fully illustrated in Figure 29 of the drawings. In this case, it can be observed that there is a delay switching circuit 212 interposed in one of the conductors wh-ich is normally connected between the secondary winding 202 and the filament heater of the lamp 204. Further, it can be observed that a load limiting control device 150 has been inserted into one of the conductors.
Figure 28 illustrates a modified form of light circuit arrangement in which the load limiting control device 150 may be used. In this case, individual starters 210 are connected across the respective filament coils at each end of a fluorescent tube.
A delay bypass switching circuit 212 is connected across the load limiting control device 150 in Figure 29. The delay bypass switching circuit essentially operates in two modes which can be described as a "straight-through mode" and a "bypass mode". The delay bypass switching circuit generally comprises a simple timing device along with the capability of a resetting function. In the case of the resistive-capacitive circuit, a charge is built-up on the capacitor. When power is delivered, a glow coil can cause a discharging of the capacitor. The discharging of the capacitor will thereupon provide a voltage for introduction into the filament circuit of the lamp.
When it is desired to energize the lamps, that is to turn the light on, the delay switching circuit 212 operates in the bypass mode so that the load limiting control device 150 is bypassed and current is supplied to the lamp directly through conductors 214. There is then a delay of a predetermined time period, as for example, 500 miliseconds. The device will then switch to the direct-through rode in which current passes through the load limiting control device 150 and the latter operates in the manner as previously described. The delay bypass switching circuit 212 will permit operation in the direct-through mode until such time as the lights are turned off. At that point, the delay switching circuit de-energizes and resets to the bypass stage as aforesaid, so that the lights can be re-energized at a later time.

Claims

1. Means for limiting power consumption and lumen output of a conventional phosphor excitable lamp connected to a source of power for operation of same without any appreciable loss in efficiency of operation, said means comprising:

a load limiting control device electrically connectable to one terminal of said conventional phosphor excitable lamp and to a socket which received said lamp so as to be effectively electrically interposed between said lamp and source of power in a series connection, said control device being constructed so that it has a first section capable of fitting with respect to said socket and a second section offset from said first section and adapted to receive the end of said lamp where it was received by said socket so that one end of said lamp is slightly offset from said ..socket, said device comprising a capacitive means selected with a capacitive value so that the lumen ouput at the-reduced level and the power consumption is reduced without substantially changing the voltage to the lamp and without any appreciable effect on the efficiency of operation of said lamp or source of power.

2. Means for limiting power consumption and lumen output according to Claim 1 further characterised in that said first section comprises a first conductive element electrically connectable to a conductive receptacle in said socket and said second section comprises a conductive receptacle to receive a conductive pin on said lamp and a capacitor means connected across said conductive element and conductive receptacle in said second section.

3. Means for limiting power consumption and lumen output according to Claim 2 further characterised in that said first conductive element and receptacle are electrically connected to said capacitive means.

4. A method for limiting power consumption and lumen output of a phosphor excitable lamp connected to a source of power for operation of same without any appreciable loss in efficiency of operation, said method comprising:

(a) disconnecting at least one end terminal of a lamp from a conductive terminal of a socket which received that lamp,

(b) electrically connecting one section of a load limiting device to one terminal of said phosphor excitable lamp and which one section has a size and shape somewhat similar to that of a socket,

(c) connecting another portion of the load limiting device to the socket from which the lamp was removed so that the end of the lamp is physically displaced from the socket so that a load limiting electrical element is electrically interposed between said lamp and source of power in a series connection, said element being selected with a value so that the lumen output is reduced but with substantially uniform lumen output at the reduced level and the power consumption is reduced without substantially changing the voltage to the lamp and without any appreciable effect on the efficiency of operation of said lamp or source of power.

5. A method for limiting power consumption and lumen output according to Claim 4 further characterised in that said method limits power consumption and lumen output of a plurality of phosphor excitable lamps in a series circuit arrangement of such lamps with respect to each other and with respect to a source of power for operation of said lamps, said method comprising interposing the load limiting device between at least one of the lamps and the source of power.

6. A power consumption and lumen output control device for electrical connection between a conventional phosphor excitable lamp and at least one electrical conductor connected to a source of power for operation of said lamp, said device comprising:

a) housing means,

b) a load limiting electrical control circuit located within said housing, said control circuit comprising at least a capacitive means selected to have a capacitive value so that lumen output of said lamp can be reduced when operated at a reduced power level without susbtantially changing voltage to the lamp and without any appreciable effect on the efficiency of operation of said lamp or source of power therefor, and

c) quick connect and disconnect means on said housing .adapted to receive a terminal end of said conductor which has been stripped of its insulation at said terminal end, said quick connect and disconnect means having retainer means automatically engaging and tightly retaining the stripped end of said conductor when inserted therein to maintain an electrical connection with said device operatively in circuit, and which retainer means can be released to permit withdrawal of said stripped terminal end, thereby avoiding the necessity of stripping a pair of terminal ends, tying said terminal ends and wrapping the tied terminal ends with electrical insulation material.

7. Power consumption and lumen output control device according to Claim 6 further characterised in that said load limiting electrical circuit comprises said capacitor means and an inductive means.

8. Power consumption and lumen output control device acording to Claim 7 further characterised in that said load limiting electrical circuit comprises a transformer and which capacitor is connected across the coils thereof.

9. A method for reducing power consumption by and lumen output from a conventional phosphor excitable lamp which is connected to a source of electrical power by at least one electrical conductor, said method comprising:

a) severing the electrical conductor between the source of power and the lamp,

b) stripping the end of that conductor to remove insulation therefrom and provide an electrically conductive terminal end thereon,

c) providing a control device including a control circuit having a capacitive means selected so that lumen output of the lamp will be reduced at a reduced power level without substantially changing the voltage to the lamp and without any appreciable-effect on the efficiency of operation of the lamp and the source of power, and

d) inserting the terminal end of the conductor into an aperture in a quick connect-disconnect assembly of the control device so that the terminal end is automatically retained therein and held in electrical circuit therewith.

10. The method of Claim 9 further characterised in that said method comprises removing said conductor by inserting an implement into the opening of the quick - disconnect assembly and releasing a retaining member which engages the spliced terminal end of the conductor.