Fluorescent lamp ballast combined with electronic starter and resonant capacitor for reducing input current

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(11)

EP 1 047 285 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	02.01.2003 Bulletin 2003/01

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	25.10.2000 Bulletin 2000/43

(21)	Application number: 00870081.7

(22)	Date of filing: 21.04.2000

(51)	International Patent Classification (IPC)⁷: H05B 41/04, H05B 41/18

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE
	Designated Extension States:
	AL LT LV MK RO SI

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Priority:

21.04.1999 PH 9900897

(71)	Applicant: New World Technology, Inc.
	San Juan, Metro Manila (PH)

(72)	Inventors:
	Diamante, Ermildo R. San Pedro, Laguna (PH) Ngo, Eric, Suite 1408 Annapolis Wilshire Plaza San Juan, Metro Manila (PH)

(74)	Representative: Quintelier, Claude et al
	Gevers & Vander Haeghen, Hollidaystraat 5 1831 Diegem 1831 Diegem (BE)

(54)	Fluorescent lamp ballast combined with electronic starter and resonant capacitor for reducing input current

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1. An electronic power supply circuit provided for supplying electric power to a fluorescent lamp having a first (F1) and a second (F2) filament, said circuit comprising a ballast having a first and a second coil, said first coil being connected between a first power input pole of said circuit and a first distribution line connecting said first coil to a first connection point for said first filament said ballast comprises a second coil having a first coil pole connected to said first distribution line and wherein a series connection of a capacitor and a bi-directional AC switch is connected between a second coil pole of said second coil and a second distribution line connecting a second power input pole of said circuit to a second connection point for said second connection filament.