Tubelamp retrofit pin safety implementation using existing ballast and fixture
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system comprising:
- an electric lamp comprising;
a lighting module with at least two terminals; and
four external connection pins arranged in pairs, wherein each pair of connection pins is associated with an automatic switch operable to connect a first connection pin in the pair to a terminal, each switch configured to close in response to non-zero voltage at its associated pair of connection pins,and a dummy starter to replace a starter in a switch-start circuit fixture for connecting the electric lamp to mains voltage.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An electric lamp (1) has two pairs of external connection pins (5) adapted for connecting the lamp to a voltage source for powering an internal lighting module (3). Each pair of pins is disconnected from the lighting module by an open switch (6) unless a non-zero electric voltage is applied to the pair and causes the switch to close. The lamp is therefore safe to handle even in a condition where one pair of pins is connected and the other is not. The lamp may be fitted in a switch-start fixture, providing an ohmic connection between two pins in different pairs, as well as a rapid-start fixture, with a capacitive connection.
8 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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an electric lamp comprising; a lighting module with at least two terminals; and four external connection pins arranged in pairs, wherein each pair of connection pins is associated with an automatic switch operable to connect a first connection pin in the pair to a terminal, each switch configured to close in response to non-zero voltage at its associated pair of connection pins, and a dummy starter to replace a starter in a switch-start circuit fixture for connecting the electric lamp to mains voltage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A kit of parts comprising:
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an electric lamp comprising; a lighting module with at least two terminals; and four external connection pins arranged in pairs, wherein each pairs of connection pins is associated with an automatic switch operable to connect a first connection pin in the pair to terminal, each switch being adapted to close in response to non-zero voltage at its associated pair of connection pins; and a dummy starter to replace a starter in a switch-start circuit fixture for connecting a the lamp to mains voltage. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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16. A method of safely operating an electric lamp comprising a lighting module with at least two terminals and further comprising four external connection pins arranged in two pairs connectable to respective supply-voltage sockets,
the method comprising: -
monitoring the voltage at each pair of connection pins; and connecting, responsive to non-zero voltage at a pair of connection pins, a first connection pin in the pair to a terminal. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification