Apparatus and method for discretionary adjustment of lumen output of light sources having lamp lumen depreciation characteristic compensation
First Claim
1. A method for illumination with a light fixture comprising a lamp having a lumen depreciation characteristic and an initial light output at a rated operating wattage, a reflector in which the lamp is positioned, a mount for mounting the lamp and reflector to a support structure, and a ballast for providing a plurality of operating wattages to the lamp to produce its light output, comprising:
- a. timing cumulative operation time of the lamp; and
b. adjusting a controllable factor related to the lamp wherein adjustment to the controllable factor is based on information regarding a relationship between the controllable factor and lumen output, the adjustment comprising switching in an operating wattage from the plurality of operating wattages to the lamp in response to the cumulative operating time of the lamp.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method, apparatus, and system for compensating for lamp lumen depreciation and providing selective discretionary lamp power adjustment, e.g., for lamp dimming. The method includes operating the lamp under rated wattage for a period towards the first part of operating life of the lamp. Operating wattage is increased at one or more later times. Energy savings are realized. The increases also restore at least some light lost by lamp lumen depreciation. The apparatus uses a timer to track operating time of the lamp. A few wattage changes made at spaced apart times can be made in a number of ways, including changing capacitance to the lamp, or using different taps on the lamp ballast. A component allows selective discretionary adjustment of electrical power or some other controlling factor to adjust light output (e.g. dim) the lamp.
96 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method for illumination with a light fixture comprising a lamp having a lumen depreciation characteristic and an initial light output at a rated operating wattage, a reflector in which the lamp is positioned, a mount for mounting the lamp and reflector to a support structure, and a ballast for providing a plurality of operating wattages to the lamp to produce its light output, comprising:
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a. timing cumulative operation time of the lamp; and b. adjusting a controllable factor related to the lamp wherein adjustment to the controllable factor is based on information regarding a relationship between the controllable factor and lumen output, the adjustment comprising switching in an operating wattage from the plurality of operating wattages to the lamp in response to the cumulative operating time of the lamp. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. An apparatus comprising:
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a. a light fixture comprising; i. lamp having a lumen depreciation characteristic and an initial light output at a rated operating wattage; ii. a reflector in which the lamp is positioned; iii. a mount for mounting the lamp and reflector to a support structure; iv. a ballast for providing a plurality of operating wattages to the lamp to produce its light output; b. a timer to monitor cumulative operation time of the lamp; c. a circuit for adjusting a controllable factor based on information regarding a relationship between the controllable factor and lumen output, the adjustment comprising selecting an operating wattage from the plurality of operating wattages to the lamp; d. a switch for selecting from the plurality of operating wattages in the circuit; e. an actuator to actuate the switch based on one or more times from the timer. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification