The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 06, 1990
Filed:
Aug. 29, 1988
David T Carroll, Sonoma, CA (US);
GardenAmerica Corporation, Carson City, NV (US);
Abstract
A power supply for outdoor lighting systems accepts ordinary household alternating current of 120 volts at 60 hertz. The power supply uses a digital switching means to convert this current into a lower voltage at a higher frequency. Typically, these values are 28 volts at 20 kHz. This high frequency signal is then supplied to the lights through a transformer. The use of a higher voltage than that normally used for such systems improves the operating efficiency of the lighting system and allows lights to be placed at a greater distance from the power supply. The higher frequency signal reduces the bulk and cost of the transformer. The voltage and current supplied to the lights can be altered by changing the frequency of the signal entering the transformer. A feedback circuit monitors the signal supplied to the lights and automatically varies the frequency so as to keep the voltage and current within predetermined operating limits.