Power saving voltage reduction system for high intensity discharge lighting systems
First Claim
1. In combination with a street light having a lamp structure with a receptacle receiving an ambient light sensor for automatically activating the light upon a reduction in ambient light, a voltage reduction apparatus interposed between said light sensor and said lamp structure and comprising:
- a receptacle receiving said light sensor;
a plug mating said apparatus and said light sensor with said lamp structure receptacle; and
means for reducing the voltage applied to said light upon said automatic activation, to a level below line voltage after a selected period of time;
wherein said voltage reducing means comprises an autotransformer having a series winding and a common winding, said series winding being connected at its input to said line voltage and at its output to said light;
said common winding being selectively connected between said output of said series winding and common for reducing the voltage applied to said light.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A small package voltage reduction system which is especially adapted for easy installation into a conventional high intensity discharge light, such as a street light having a receptacle for receiving a standard ambient light sensor. The invention permits extremely easy and thus inexpensive installation and maintenance and yet provides a significant reduction in energy use which may save significant expenditure for energy by a municipality or other user of high intensity discharge lights.
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Citations
4 Claims
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1. In combination with a street light having a lamp structure with a receptacle receiving an ambient light sensor for automatically activating the light upon a reduction in ambient light, a voltage reduction apparatus interposed between said light sensor and said lamp structure and comprising:
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a receptacle receiving said light sensor; a plug mating said apparatus and said light sensor with said lamp structure receptacle; and means for reducing the voltage applied to said light upon said automatic activation, to a level below line voltage after a selected period of time; wherein said voltage reducing means comprises an autotransformer having a series winding and a common winding, said series winding being connected at its input to said line voltage and at its output to said light;
said common winding being selectively connected between said output of said series winding and common for reducing the voltage applied to said light. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. In combination with a plurality of street lights activated by a common power source, a voltage reduction apparatus interposed between said lights and said power source;
- said apparatus comprising;
an autotransformer having a series winding and a common winding, said series winding being connected at its input to said line voltage and at its output to said lights;
said common winding being selectively connected between said output of said series winding and common for reducing the voltage applied to said lights;said voltage reducing means further comprising a switch for connecting and disconnecting said common winding to and from said series winding; an automatic timer for switching said switch from being open to being closed after said selected period of time; and a bucking coil switched in parallel with said common winding when said common winding is disconnected from said series winding.
- said apparatus comprising;
Specification