Location History:
- Ft. Wayne, IN (US) (1981)
- Fort Wayne, IN (US) (1977 - 2001)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1977-2001
Title: Innovations of Robert Virgil Burke
Introduction
Robert Virgil Burke is a notable inventor based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, recognized for his contributions to lamp technology. With a total of seven patents to his name, Burke has made significant advancements in the field of lighting, particularly in the areas of power control and protection circuits for gas discharge lamps.
Latest Patents
One of Burke's latest patents is the "Power Sensing Lamp Protection Circuit for Ballasts Driving Gas Discharge Lamps." This innovative circuit is designed to protect smaller gas discharge lamps and compact fluorescent lamps powered by a ballast. It safeguards against various lamp failure modes that can lead to overheating and cracking. The circuit senses power levels in the lamp and generates a control signal when a threshold is exceeded. It effectively reduces power in the electronic ballast and maintains the lamp in a powered-down state when fault conditions are detected.
Another significant patent is the "Fluorescent Lamp Power Control." This invention features an input conditioning section, a lamp driver section, and a power command interface to manage power delivery to fluorescent lamps. The system compares an external power command input with an internally computed power level, controlling an electronic preregulator to ensure optimal power regulation. Dimming of fluorescent lamps is achieved by reducing the external power command input signal, thereby decreasing the power supplied to the lamps.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Robert Virgil Burke has worked with prominent companies such as Litton Systems, Inc. and Magnetek, Inc. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in developing innovative lighting solutions.
Collaborations
Burke has collaborated with notable individuals in the field, including Thomas Eugene Hester and George W. Mortimer. These partnerships have likely fostered a creative environment that has led to the development of his patented technologies.
Conclusion
Robert Virgil Burke's contributions to lamp technology through his innovative patents demonstrate his commitment to enhancing lighting solutions. His work continues to influence the industry and improve the functionality and safety of lighting systems.