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:
Aug. 01, 2006
Filed:
Aug. 02, 2005
Peter O. Roach, Atlanta, GA (US);
Thomas J. Mayer, Wisconsin Dells, WI (US);
Pierce J. Roberts, Jr., Amelia Island, FL (US);
Peter O. Roach, Atlanta, GA (US);
Thomas J. Mayer, Wisconsin Dells, WI (US);
Pierce J. Roberts, Jr., Amelia Island, FL (US);
NxSteps Communication, Inc., Atlanta, GA (US);
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for deriving power for an external device from the power source of a fluorescent light. The power source includes a fluorescent ballast electrically connected to the connectors of a light fixture for receiving an input voltage and for converting the input voltage to a lamp voltage suitable for powering a fluorescent lamp. The fluorescent ballast may be modified to include an output line that outputs a voltage for powering the external device to a power port. The power port may be mounted on or near the fluorescent light. Alternatively, the power port may be integrated within a housing that contains one of the connectors of the light fixture. The ballast may be further modified to include an output line for extracting network data and control signals from the power line carrier signals on the input voltage.