Ronald D Porter

US Patent:

20040046511, Mar 11, 2004

Filed:

Sep 11, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/241299

Inventors:

Ronald Porter - Boise ID, US

International Classification:

H05B037/02

US Classification:

315/291000, 315/224000, 315/20900R

Abstract:

A fluorescent lamp is ignited and extinguished in response to an external influence which is sensed at a location on the fluorescent lamp, at a starter socket of a conventional fluorescent lamp light fixture, or at a location remote from the starter socket. The controller includes a sensor which responds to the external influences and controls a starter which creates electrical conditions at filaments of the fluorescent lamp and from a magnetic ballast connected in series with the fluorescent lamp to accomplish the igniting and the extinguishing. The controller is physically connected to one of either the fluorescent lamp or within a starter socket intended to receive a conventional starter in the fluorescent lamp lighting circuit. In this manner the fluorescent lamp issues to obtain the added functionality of a motion detector, an ambient light detector, or a timer, for example.