Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1998-2004
Title: Innovations of Gerald L Ballard
Introduction
Gerald L Ballard is a notable inventor based in Brandon, MS (US), recognized for his contributions to electrical engineering and transformer technology. With a total of four patents to his name, Ballard has made significant advancements in the field, particularly in safety and efficiency for electrical systems.
Latest Patents
One of Ballard's latest patents is the "Secondary Ground Fault Protected Luminous Tube Transformer." This invention features a transformer assembly designed to power a load while ensuring secondary fault protection. The fault path is isolated from the ground, allowing for effective voltage detection of faults. Additionally, the return terminal is isolated from the midpoint, enabling multiple load connection schemes using the midpoint as a ground connection. The power control system integrated into the design connects between the primary winding and the input terminal, with a ground fault detection circuit that activates the power control system to disconnect the power source upon detecting a fault. Another significant improvement includes a high-frequency filter that mitigates the effects of high-frequency transients, along with a capacitive reactance that provides a ground fault path for fault signals.
Another patent is the "Neon Lamp Isolation Transformer for Mid-Point Commoned Neon Lamps." This invention presents a low-cost power supply that enhances safety protection for neon lamps configured in a midpoint commoned setup. The power supply ensures that the return path is isolated from the earth ground, preventing fault current from flowing to the earth ground. The windings are arranged in a series opposing configuration, allowing the voltages between the output terminals to sum to zero. This innovative design can operate lamp lengths that typically require 15,000 volts of open circuit voltage while maintaining a maximum of 7,500 volts to ground when any one output terminal is grounded.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Gerald L Ballard has worked with several prominent companies, including Magnetek, Inc. and Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in electrical systems and transformer technology.
Collaborations
Ballard has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Eric Bobbitt and Robert V Burke, further enhancing his innovative work in the field.
Conclusion
Gerald L Ballard's contributions to electrical engineering through his patents and career achievements highlight his role as a significant inventor in the industry. His work continues to influence advancements in transformer technology and safety measures