Patent ID: 7176635
Filing Date: 2007-02-13
Classification: F21V,F21W,H05B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for compensating for a lumen depreciation characteristic comprising: a. a light source producing an initial lumen output at a recommended operating wattage and having a lumen depreciation characteristic; b. a ballast operatively connectable to the light source through which electrical energy is supplied for operation of the light source; c. a switch adapted to provide a plurality of electrical paths relative the light source or ballast, each electrical path providing a different operating wattage to the light source, including a first path providing a first actual operating wattage correlated to a desired light output from the light source, and a second electrical path providing a second actual operating wattage correlated to an amount of additional watts to compensate for lumen depreciation at that point in cumulative operating life of the light source and increase light output of the light source back to approximately the desired light output; d. a timer which monitors cumulative operating time of the light source; and e. an actuator adapted to operate the switch at pre-selected times in cumulative operating time monitored by the timer.