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:
Jun. 13, 2000
Filed:
Oct. 08, 1998
Stuart E Sanders, Brandon, MS (US);
John L Cox, Hermitage, TN (US);
David S Stratton, Douglas, AZ (US);
Theodore Miller, Jr, Hattiesburg, MS (US);
Mark R Opperthauser, Brandon, MS (US);
MagneTek, Inc., Nashville, TN (US);
Abstract
Methods of manufacturing ballasts and starter assemblies used in gas discharge lamps are disclosed. One embodiment of a starter assembly includes a one-piece plastic enclosure for a glow bulb which is used as a starter for a fluorescent lamp. The enclosure has a latching hinged lid, a partition wall to isolate the glow bulb leads, and integral strain relief. The glow bulb enclosure is preferably mounted inside a ballast assembly and the glow bulb leads are preferably ultrasonically welded to the ballast power supply wires. Methods of reducing manufacturing expenses by physically separating the glow bulb from other ballast components are also disclosed.