×

Methods and systems for dimmable fluorescent lighting using multiple frequencies

  • US 8,138,676 B2
  • Filed: 12/01/2008
  • Issued: 03/20/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/01/2008
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A system for operating a fluorescent light, the system comprising:

  • a fluorescent lamp comprising at least one electrode, the at least one electrode comprising at least one corresponding filament;

    a filament signal power supply connected to output a filament signal and to create a corresponding filament current through the at least one filament, the filament current having a filament frequency; and

    a plasma signal power supply connected to output a plasma signal and to create a corresponding plasma current flowing between the at least one electrode and a gas contained in the lamp, the plasma current having a plasma frequency;

    wherein the plasma frequency is greater than the filament frequency; and

    wherein the plasma signal power supply is configurable to control a power of the plasma current flowing between the at least one electrode and the gas such that the plasma current is confined to a confinement region extending from the at least one electrode, the confinement region having a length less than a length of the lamp.

View all claims
  • 0 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×