Company Filing History:
1 out of 950 
1 out of 19 Years Active: 1987-1988
Title: The Innovative Contributions of Herman Smulders
Introduction
Herman Smulders, an inventive mind based in Arlington Heights, IL, has made significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering. With a total of two patents to his name, Smulders has focused on advancing lighting technologies, particularly in discharge lamps.
Latest Patents
Among his notable inventions is the "Compact igniter for discharge lamps," featuring a ballast-inverter circuit designed for lamps with preheatable electrodes. This innovation includes a connection to supply voltage input terminals via a ballast impedance. A triac within the circuit serves as a preheat current path for the lamp electrodes, having its gate electrode attached to an RC timing circuit. Notably, a PTC resistor is incorporated between one input terminal and the timing circuit to prompt the triac, effectively heating the lamp electrodes to facilitate ignition. As the PTC resistor warms up, its resistance increases to a point where it disengages the timing circuit from further triggering of the triac, thereby safely disconnecting the electrode preheat circuit once the lamp is operational.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Herman Smulders has held significant roles at reputable companies, notably at North American Philips Corporation and Advance Transformer Company. These positions have allowed him to develop and refine his innovative ideas in practical settings, contributing to advancements in lighting technology.
Collaborations
Smulders' collaborations within the industry have undoubtedly influenced his inventions, allowing for shared insights and technical expertise that enhance the efficacy of his designs. Working with established firms has provided him with a platform to realize and patent his innovative concepts.
Conclusion
Herman Smulders exemplifies the spirit of innovation in the electrical engineering domain, particularly through his contributions to discharge lamp technology. His patents reflect a commitment to enhancing energy efficiency and functionality in lighting solutions, marking him as a noteworthy inventor in his field.