Patent ID: 6873120
Filing Date: 2005-03-29
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
1. A method for regulating power consumption of a pressurized gas light system including at least one lamp having a metallic vapor, the method comprising the acts of: applying two or more power signals to the at least one lamp, and adjusting a duration of the application of each of the two or more power signals to determine a minimal power signal sufficient to maintain a first luminescence level wherein a first power signal of the two or more power signals is applied to heat the metallic vapor to a first vapor temperature sufficient to cause the metallic vapor to begin emitting light substantially at the first luminescence level; the first power signal is removed after the metallic vapor has been heated to the first vapor temperature; and a second power signal of the two or more power signals is applied to the lamp upon the removal of the first power signal, the second power signal being less than the first power signal, wherein the second power signal is sufficient to maintain the metallic vapor at a second vapor temperature, the second vapor temperature being less than the first vapor temperature, and causing the metallic vapor to emit light substantially at the first luminescence level.