Patent US3971010A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3971010A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Ballasted load control system and method
Assignee: FF AND L IND Inc
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Filing: 1974-05-28
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Granted: 1976-07-20
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Expires: 1994-05-28
Abstract
Abstract System and method for controlling the energization of ballasted loads such as flourescent lights in which radio frequency control signals are superimposed on the power circuits which supply power to the loads. Frequency sensitive switching devices connect the loads to the conductors, and these switching devices are actuated in response to the control signals to energize only the desired loads.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert C. Foehn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:25
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02J; H02J13/00; H02J13/13; H02J13/1311; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B90/00; Y02B90/20; Y04; Y04S; Y04S40/00; Y04S40/12; Y04S40/121
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
In a system for controlling the energization of a ballasted load with a radio frequency control signal imposed on power circuit conductors carrying operating power for the load: means for connecting one side of the ballasted load to a first one of the power circuit conductors, a solid state switching device having first and second terminals and a control gate for controlling conductivity between the terminals, means for connecting the first and second terminals of the switching device respectively to a second side of the ballasted load and to a second one of the power circuit conductors, an impedance element connected between the control gate and the second terminal of the switching device, a series resonant circuit adapted to pass the control signal and block the operating power, and means for connecting the resonant circuit between the control gate of the switching device and the first power circuit conductor whereby the radio frequency control signal is developed across the impedance element and applied to the gate of the switching device to actuate the same.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
In a system for controlling the energization of a ballasted load with a radio frequency control signal imposed on power circuit conductors carrying operating power for the load: means for connecting one side of the ballasted load to a first one of the power circuit conductors, a solid state switching device having first and second terminals and a control gate for controlling conductivity between the terminals, means for connecting the first and second terminals of the switching device respectively to a second side of the ballasted load and to a second one of the power circuit conductors, an impedance element connected between the control gate and the second terminal of the switching device, a series resonant circuit adapted to pass the control signal and block the operating power, and means for connecting the resonant circuit between the control gate of the switching device and the first power circuit conductor whereby the radio frequency control signal is developed across the impedance element and applied to the gate of the switching device to actuate the same.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the control signal has a frequency on the order of 30 KHz to 50 KHz.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the switching device is a triac.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the control signal is generated in the form of a square wave.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
134 words
In a power system: a ballasted load, a power circuit comprising first and second electrically energized conductors carrying power for the load, means for applying a control signal having a frequency on the order of 30 KHz to 50 KHz to the power circuit remotely of the load, a triac connected between the first conductor and one side of the load, the second side of the load being connected to the second conductor, an impedance element connected between the first conductor and the gate of the triac, and a series circuit resonant at the frequency of the control signal connected between the gate of the triac and the second conductor, whereby the control signal is developed across the impedance element to actuate the triac and thereby cause power to be delivered to the load.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
134 words
In a power system: a ballasted load, a power circuit comprising first and second electrically energized conductors carrying power for the load, means for applying a control signal having a frequency on the order of 30 KHz to 50 KHz to the power circuit remotely of the load, a triac connected between the first conductor and one side of the load, the second side of the load being connected to the second conductor, an impedance element connected between the first conductor and the gate of the triac, and a series circuit resonant at the frequency of the control signal connected between the gate of the triac and the second conductor, whereby the control signal is developed across the impedance element to actuate the triac and thereby cause power to be delivered to the load.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 5 wherein the control signal is generated in the form of a square wave.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 5 wherein the series circuit comprises a capacitor and an inductor.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-07-20 | 1980-01-19 | 1980-07-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-07-20 | 1984-01-19 | 1984-07-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-07-20 | 1988-01-19 | 1988-07-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |