Joseph F Merlo

US Patent:

45284822, Jul 9, 1985

Filed:

Jul 20, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/516124

Inventors:

Joseph C. Merlo - Selden NY

International Classification:

G05F 100
H05B 3702

US Classification:

315291

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for reducing the energy consumption of fluorescent lighting energized by an alternating voltage source comprising sensing for a particular amplitude of the alternating voltage and upon sensing such voltage amplitude establishing a given time period which is a fraction of a cycle of the alternating voltage. At the end of the given time period actively connecting the alternating voltage source to the fluorescent lighting whereby the lighting is energized for a portion of the cycle, and for a given time interval at the start of operation continuously actively connecting the alternating voltage source to the fluorescent lighting so that the components of the fluorescent lighting can efficiently warm up.