WO1996010897A1 - Compact dimmable fluorescent lamps - Google Patents

Abstract

A compact dimmable fluorescent lamp (10) includes a dimming control ballast (40) within a base which (12) installs directly on an existing incandescent or other lighting fixture. The lamp (10) mounts a fluorescent illumination element (84a) and includes an accessible dimmer control member connected to the dimming control ballast (40). In the preferred embodiment, a rotatable lamp globe (98) both covers the fluorescent lamp tubes (102a) and is coupled to the control element. The globe (98) thus provides the dual functions of decoratively covering the fluorescent lamp tubes (102a) and serving as the dimmer control by rotating the globe (98) to vary the amount of power that is supplied to the lamp tubes (102a). In other embodiments, a rotatable external annular ring (100) extends substantially around the circumference of the lamp base (12) and is connected to the dimming control ballast (40) to serve as the dimmer control.

Description

COMPACT DIMMABLE FLUORESCENT LAMPS

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to compact dimmable fluorescent lamps, and, more particularly to dimmab fluorescent lamps in which the dimmer control is integral with the lamp. Background of the Invention

Fluorescent lamps are a conventional type of lighting device which are gas charged devices that provi illumination as a result of atomic excitation of low-pressure gas, such as mercury, within a lamp envelope. T excitation of the mercury vapor atoms is provided by means of a pair of arc electrodes mounted within the lam In order to properly excite the mercury vapor atoms, the lamp is ignited and operated at a relatively high voltag and at a relatively constant current. The excited atoms emit invisible ultraviolet radiation. The invisible ultraviol radiation in turn excites a fluorescent material, e.g., phosphor, that is deposited on an inside surface of t fluorescent lamp envelope, thus converting the invisible ultraviolet radiation to visible light. The fluorescent coati material is selected to emit visible radiation over a wide spectrum of colors and intensities.

Fluorescent lamps have substantial advantages over conventional incandescent lamps. In particular, t fluorescent lamps are substantially more efficient and typically use 80 to 90% less electrical power than a equivalent light for output incandescent lamps.

Recently, compact fluorescent tubes have become available which have light outputs equivalent to 100 t 200 watt incandescent bulbs.

Summary of the Invention In a copending application entitled IMPROVED BALLAST CIRCUIT FOR FLUORESCENT LAMP filed Septemb

30, 1994, Serial No. 08/316,395 and assigned to Pacific Scientific, Inc., assignee of this application, improvement in ballast circuitry are disclosed and claimed which have high efficiencies, high power factor rating and a numb of significant advantages over the prior art described in this copending application.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ballast invention described in the copendin application noted above is utilized to achieve improved compact dimmable fluorescent lamps. Embodiments of th present invention include lamps having a rotatable annular ring as an integral part of the lamp wherein rotation o the ring cause the lamp to be gradually dimmed.

Lamps constructed in accordance with the present invention are easily manufactured in both a configuratio in which the fluorescent tube or tubes are permanently mounted as part of the fixture so that the entire unit i disposed of when the fluorescent tubes burn out or an alternative configuration in which the fluorescent tube ca be unplugged from the remainder of the unit and replaced.

In the preferred embodiment, a translucent globe covering the fluorescent lamp tubes is rotatable wit respect to the base. Rotation of this globe in one direction causes the lamp to be turned full on and rotation in th opposite direction causes the lamp to be turned to a maximum dimming condition. This embodiment provides a totall new type of lamp control and exploits the important safety feature of the fluorescent lamp, namely that its surfac temperature is warm but never hot. Another advantage of this invention is that all of the dimmer controls described herein are included within a compact lamp assembly having the same kind of screw-in base as is common to incandescent bulbs. As a result, the lamps of the invention may be readily used as replacements for incandescent lamps while retaining all of the substantial advantages of the fluorescent lamp and the improved ballast circuitry described in the copending application noted above.

Brief Description of the Drawings The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a compact screw-in fluorescent lamp apparatus;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of a compact lamp apparatus according to the embodiment in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a ballast circuit; Figure 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of the ballast circuit of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a side elevational view partly in section of a dimmable compact screw-in fluorescent lamp apparatus constructed in accordance with this invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a dimmable compact screw-in fluorescent lamp apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a dimmable compact fluorescent screw-in lamp apparatus according to another alternate embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a dimmable compact fluorescent screw-in lamp apparatus according to a further alternate embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is a partial sectional view of the embodiment of the dimmable compact fluorescent screw-in lamp apparatus illustrated in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a block diagram of a preferred dimmable ballast circuit for use with the compact lamp apparatus of Figures 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9;

Figure 11 is a schematic circuit diagram of the preferred dimmable ballast circuit of Figure 10; Figure 12 graphically illustrates selected current waveforms of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of a dimmable compact screw-in fluorescent lamp apparatus constructed in accordance with this invention; and

Figure 14 is a partial sectional view of still another embodiment of a dimmable compact screw-in fluorescent lamp apparatus constructed in accordance with this invention.

Detailed Description of the The Compact Screw-In Fluorescent Lamp 10 Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a compact screw-in fluorescent lamp 10 including a lamp base 12 that supports at one end a fluorescent lamp tube element 14. The fluorescent lamp element 14 comprises at least one fluorescent tube 14a, a base portion 14b and electrical contacts 14c. The opposite end of the lamp base 1 supports a conventional electrical screw-in socket 16 which includes threads 16a for threaded engagement with conventional electrical lamp socket. This electrical socket 16 typically includes two electrical conductors 18a an 18b arranged for electrical connection with the corresponding conductors on the electrical lamp socket. As i conventional for fluorescent lamps, the electrical conductors 18a and 18b are located at the side and the botto respectively, of the socket 16.

The base 12 further includes an electrically insulative housing 20 having a top end 20a axially spaced fro the bottom end 20b. The illustrated housing 20 has a generally overall conical or triangular shape which is narro at the bottom end 20b and wider at the top end 20a. The housing 20 includes funnel-like portion 20c above th bottom end 20b and below a cylindrical portion 20d. It will be understood that the housing 20 can have other cross sectional configurations, such as for example, circular, ellipsoid, rectangular or triangular. The illustrated portion 20 has a cylindrical wall and is bound at the top by flat wall 20e and at the bottom by interior panel 20f which span the interior space 20 traverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing 20. The housing 20 thus bounds a hollo interior space 22 partitioned into an upper interior space 22a and a lower interior space 22b by the interior pane 20f. The base 16 is secured to the housing 20 at the bottom end 20b of the housing 20 to form the bottom o the adaptor 12.

The compact fluorescent lamp apparatus further includes a removable and replaceable fluorescent tub illumination element 14. In the embodiment shown, the fluorescent lamp tube element removably and replaceabt plugs into a socket-like lamp supporting element comprising interior panel 20f via socket connectors 32. The bas portion 14b of the fluorescent lamp tube element 14 seats on the top face of panel 20f and sits within opening 20g in the top wall 20e of the housing 20. Electrical contacts 14c extend through the openings 24 in the pane 20f to removably and replaceabty plug into connective socket connectors 32, thereby forming electrical connectio between the illumination element 14 and the adaptor 12. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the fluorescen lamp tube element is permanently affixed to the housing 20 so that the entire fixture of Figure 1 is sold and used as an integral unit.

A circuit housing 28 which contains a ballast circuit 40 of Figure 3, as described in more detail below, is mounted within the housing 20 illustratively in the lower interior space 22b. Input electrical conductors 26 of the circuit housing 28 connect respectively to the electrical connector 18a and 18b of the socket base 16. The connection of the ballast circuit within the ballast circuit housing 28 applies an excitation current and voltage to the illumination element 14. Output conductors 29 from the ballast circuit housing 28 electrically connect to the electrical contacts 14c of the fluorescent illumination element 14 via the socket connections 32.

BaHast Circuit 40 - Simplified Block Diaoram Figure 3 is a block diagram illustration of a ballast circuit 40 and a fluorescent lamp load 60 in accordance with one embodiment of the copending application entitled IMPROVED BALLAST CIRCUIT FOR FLUORESCENT LAMP noted above. The illustrated ballast circuit 40 is advantageously mounted in the lower interior lamp space 22a preferably within the ballast circuit housing 28 of Figure 1. The ballast circuit 40 includes an EMI filter stage 44, a rectification and voltage amplification stage 48 and a resonant circuit and power factor correction stage 52, which are connected to a lamp load 60, as shown. The lamp load 60 corresponds to the fluorescent tubes 14a, Figure 1. The input ac source is connected to the high and low voltage lines 41 A and 41 B, respectively, which are in turn connected electrically in series with the EMI filter stage 44. The outputs of the EMI filter stage 44 are connected to an input of the rectifier and voltage amplification stage 48. Outputs of the rectifier and voltage amplification stage 48 are connected to respective inputs of the resonant circuit stage 52. The output of the resonant circuit 52 is connected, power wise, in series with the lamp load 60. Further, the resonant circuit 52 generates a high frequency voltage feedback signal on line 55 that is electrically connected to the respective inputs of the voltage amplification stage 48. The ballast circuit 40 has several significant features. The EMI filter stage substantially alternates feedback of electro-magnetic interference and the a.c. input line. The feedback signal on the line 55 may substantially reduce the non-linearities of the load presented to the a.c. line. As described below with reference to Figure 4, these and other features provide an entirely practical compact fluorescent lamp which retains all of the advantages of the fluorescent lamp without the significant disadvantages of prior art ballast stages.

Ballast Circuit 40 - Detailed Circuit Schematic Figure 4 illustrates a detailed circuit schematic of the ballast circuit 40.

EMI Filter Stage 44 The EMI filter stage 44 includes a series inductor L1, a fuse F1, a parallel capacitor C1 and a high frequency blocking inductor L2. The inductor L1 is connected electrically in series with the fuse F1, which in turn is connected to one end of the parallel capacitor C1. The opposite end of the capacitor C1 is connected to the low voltage input line 41 B, also referred to as the neutral rail. The LC filter formed by inductor L1 and capacitor C1 ensure a smooth input waveform to the voltage amplification stage 48 by preventing interference with other electronic devices, as is known in the art. The coupled series inductor L2 prevents leakage of unwanted high frequency interference back into the power transmission lines. The fuse F1 protects the ballast circuit 40 and lamp load 60 from damage due to over currents from the input power lines. In a specific embodiment, the components of the EMI filter stage have the following values: the series inductor L1 is approximately 2.7 mH, the fuse F1 is approximately a 1 Amp fuse, the parallel capacitor C1 is approximately 0.16μF and the high frequency blocking inductor L2 is approximately 4.7 mH.

The Rectification and Voltage Amplification Stage 48 Stage 48 converts the input A/C voltage to a D/C voltage and amplifies the magnitude of this DC voltage to the level necessary to start or ignite the fluorescent lamp level and includes a pair of rectifying diodes D1 and D2, current limiting resistor R1, and storage capacitors C3 and C4. The anode of diode D1 is connected to one end of the high frequency blocking inductor L2 and to the cathode of diode D2. The cathode of diode 01 is connected to one end of resistor R1 and to the charging end of capacitor C3. The opposite end of the capacitor C3 is connected to the neutral rail 41 B. The anode of diode D2 is connected to one end of storage capacitor C4, the opposite charging end of which is connected to the neutral rail 41 B. The diodes D1 and D2 selectively allow the storage capacitors C3, C4 to charge during portions of each cycle of the 60 cycle sinusoidal input voltage. For example, diode D1 allows capacitor C3 to charge at the peak voltage of the positive half cycle of the input volta and diode D2 allows capacitor C4 to charge at the peak voltage of the negative half cycle. As described belo during this start up phase, the sum of the voltage across C3 and C4 are supplied in a series circuit to the fluoresce lamps load. The voltage amplification performed by the illustrated amplification stage is 2:1 and is sufficient to sta the fluorescent lamp.

In a specific embodiment, the components of the rectification and voltage amplification stage 48 have t following values: the rectifying diodes 01 and 02 are preferably UF4005 diodes, the current limiting resistor R1 approximately 470 KΩ and is rated at 1/4 watt, and storage capacitors C3 and C4 are approximately 15 μf.

The Active High Frequency Resonant Stage 52 Stage 52 comprises a diode D3, a pair of switching transistors 01 and Q2, each having a collector emitt and base, free wheeling diodes D4 and 05, and a pair of reverse-breakdown voltage capacitors C5 and C6. Ea of the free wheeling diodes D4 and 05, respectively, are connected between the collector and emitter of switchi transistors Q1 and 02, respectively. The resonant stage 52 further comprises transistor driving resistors R2 an R4, a primary inductor L3, which is associated with secondary inductors L4 and L5, a DC blocking capacitor C and a voltage feedback capacitor C9. The inductors L4 and L5 are advantageously provided by different windin on the core of primary inductor L3. Inductors L3, L4 and L5 are advantageously provided by an E core on whic is wound the primary winding for L3 and the secondary windings for L4 and L5. Thus, inductor L3 is magneticall coupled to both inductors L4 and L5. The inductors L4 and L5 are oppositely poled and thus are driven out of phas relative to each other. More specifically, L4 generates the driving voltage for transistor Q1 during the positive hal cycle of the input voltage, and inductor L5 generates the driving voltage for transistor 02 during the negative ha cycle. The free wheeling diodes D4, D5 provide a current path for the dissipation of magnetic energy stored in th coupled inductors L4 and L5 when transistors 01 and 02, respectively, are turned off. The resonant stage 52 i further connected electrically in series with the lamp load 60 that includes output connections 61 A, 61 B, 61 C an 61 D, and a lamp striking capacitor C8 which is also referred to as a "resonating storage capacitor". Preferabl a lamp filament element A is connected between connections 61 A and 61 B, and a lamp filament element B i connected between connections 61 C and 610.

The collector of transistor 01 is electrically connected to a circuit junction 62, and the emitter is connecte to circuit junction 64. The breakdown capacitor C5 is electrically connected between the base and emitter o transistor Q1. The driving resistor R2 is connected at one end to the inductor L4 and at another end to the bas of transmitter Q1. The anode of diode 03 is connected to circuit junction 65, and the cathode is connected t circuit junction 64, and is electrically in series with the series combination of the inductor L3 and the DC blockin capacitor C7. One end of capacitor C7 is connected to the output connection 61 A of the lamp load 60. Th resonating storage capacitor C8 is electrically connected between the circuit connection 61 B and 61 D. The chargin end of the feedback storage capacitor C9 is connected to the neutral rail 41 B and the opposite end of the capacito C9 is connected to the lamp connection 61 C and to an input of the rectifier and voltage amplifier stage 48 vi feedback path 55. The collector of transistor 02 is electrically connected to circuit junction 64 and the emitter is electrically connected to circuit junction 63. The breakdown capacitor C6 is connected between the base and emitter of transistor Q2. The base of transistor 02 is electrically connected in series with driving resistor R4, the opposite end of which is connected to one end of inductor L5. The opposite end of the inductor L5 is connected to circuit junction 63.

In a specific embodiment, the components of the resonating stage 52 have the following values: the transistors 01 and 02 are BUL45 transistors, each having a collector emitter and base, diode D3 is a UF4005 diode, the free wheeling diodes D4 and 05 are UF4005 diodes, the reverse-breakdown voltage capacitors C5 and C6 are approximately 0.1 //F, the transistor driving resistor R2 is approximately 66Ω and is rated at 1/2 watt, the transistor driving resistor R4 is approximately 56Ω is rated at 1/2 watt, the primary inductor L3 is a 4.0 mH inductor having 200 turns, which is associated with secondary inductors L4 having 3 turns and L5 having 3 turns, the DC blocking capacitor C7 is 0.15 μF, and the voltage feedback capacitor C9 is 0.0027 μf.

Starter Circuit and Start Mode of Operation

Capacitor C2, diac D6 and current limiting resistor R3 form a starter circuit that initially, at the application of power to the ballast circuit 40, actuates or turns ON the circuit transistor Q2 in the active resonant stage 52.

The current limiting resistor R1 is further connected at one end to the storage capacitor C2, the diac D6 and an anode of a current blocking diode D3 at circuit junction 65. An opposite end of the storage capacitor C2 is connected to the anode of diode D2, the diac D6, and the current limiting resistor R3.

In a specific embodiment, the components of the starter circuit have the following values: the capacitor C2 is approximately 0.1 μf, diac 06 is an approximately 32 volt diac and current limiting resistor R3 is approximately 330 Ω and is rated at 114 watt.

During the start mode of the active resonant stage 52, the switching transistor Q2 is actuated by the starter circuit. Specifically, when capacitor C2 charges to a voltage greater than the reverse breakdown voltage of the diac D6, the diac 06 discharges through the current limiting resistor R3, turning ON transistor Q2. Once transistor 02 is turned on, the switching transistors Q1 and Q2 alternately conduct during each half cycle of the input voltage and are driven during normal circuit operation by energy stored in the inductor L3 and transferred to the secondary windings of L4 and L5. Therefore, the starter circuit only operates during initial start mode and is not required during the normal operation of the resonant stage 52.

Resonant Mode of Operation With further reference to Figure 4, during normal or resonant operation, the ballast circuit 40 is energized by the application of the sinusoidal input voltage having a selected magnitude and frequency to the input power lines 41 A and 41 B. In the typical embodiment, the input power has a magnitude of 120 volts and a frequency of 60 hertz. The input voltage is filtered by the EMI filter stage 44, as described above, and produces an input current flow to the voltage and rectification circuit 48. During each positive half cycle, current flows through the series combination of diode D1, transistor 01, inductor L3 and capacitors C7, C8 and C9. During each negative half cycle, current flows through diode D2, capacitor C2, transistor Q2 and capacitors C7, C8 and C9. During normal operation, capacitor C2 discharges through diode D3 after each negative cycle of the input voltage. Concomitantly, eac storage capacitor C3 and C4 charges during the peak portion of each corresponding half cycle, and discharges durin the other half cycle. For example, capacitor C3 charges during the positive half cycle of the input line voltage, an discharges through the neutral rail 41 B during the negative half cycle, while capacitor C4 charges during the negativ half cycle of the input line voltage, and discharges through the neutral rail 41 B during the positive half cycle.

The inductor L3 stores energy along with the capacitors C7, C8 and C9, forming a series resonant circui These components produce a current having a selected elevated frequency, preferably greater than 20 KHz, and mo preferably around 40 KHz, during normal operation of the ballast circuit. This high-frequency operation reduces hu and other electrical noises delivered to the lamp load. Additionally, high-frequency operation of the lamp load reduce the occurrence of annoying flickering of the lamp.

The resonating storage capacitor C8 stores a selected elevated voltage, preferably equal to or greater tha 300 volts rms, which is required to start or ignite the fluorescent lamps mounted at the lamp connection 61 A t 61 D. Once the lamps are struck, the circuit operating voltage is reduced to a value slightly greater than the inpu voltage, preferably around 100 volts rms, which is maintained by the feedback capacitor C9, also referred to as th storage and feedback capacitor.

Improved Power Factor A significant feature of the ballast disclosed and claimed in the copending application entitled IMPROVE BALLAST CIRCUIT FOR FLUORESCENT LAMP noted above is that the power factor of the ballast is substantiall improved over the prior art. Thus, a typical series resonant circuit provides for a poor power factor because th input appears very distorted and non-linear due to the effects of the storage capacitors and the rectification diodes In a typical series resonant circuit, the rectification diodes are only turned ON during the periods of the peak voltage of the positive and negative cycles of the input A/C voltage. Generally, the charging capacitor C3 charges up to its peak voltage during the positive input cycle and then dissipates during the negative input cycle causing the diod D1 to only turn ON during the peak dissipation period of the capacitor C3, i.e., the negative portion of the input cycle. Generally, the charging capacitor C4 charges up to its peak voltage during the negative input cycle and then dissipates during the positive input cycle causing the diode 02 to only turn ON during the peak dissipation period of the capacitor C4, i.e., the positive portion of the input cycle. This results in an input of varying current spikes at these peak periods which is not desired.

In the circuit of Figure 4, the feedback capacitor C9 feeds back a selected high frequency voltage level to the input of the voltage amplification stage 48. The capacitor C9 divides a high frequency feedback current from the lamp load between the neutral rail and the input of the rectification circuit. In addition, C9 operates as a DC blocking capacitor for preventing the passage of unwanted DC voltage along the neutral rail 41B. This high frequency feedback current supplied by the feedback capacitor C9, when applied to the diodes D1 and D2 at the input of the rectification circuit 48 expands the conduction angle of the diodes D1 and D2. The expansion of the conduction angle of the diodes D1 and 02 essentially forces the rectification diodes D1 and 02 to conduct during substantially the entire portion of their respective positive and negative half cycles. Therefore, the high frequency f eedback current substantially eliminates the non-linear characteristic of the diodes, by causing them to conduct even during the low frequency current periods of each of the positive and negative half cycles. By eliminating the non- linearities of the diodes, the ballast circuit appears as an almost linear load at the input voltage interface, i.e., a power factor of 95% or greater, thus achieving a very high level of power factor correction to the series resonant circuit.

The value of the feedback capacitor C9 determines the amount of the high frequency current that is fedback to the rectification circuit to achieve the desired power factor correction and the amount that is dissipated through the neutral rail. The larger the value of the capacitor C9 the lesser the amount of current that is fedback to the rectification circuit and visa versa. Therefore, in order to achieve the desired amount of power factor correction at the input of the rectification circuit, the feedback capacitor C9 has a value of between about 0.0047 μF and about 0.02 μF. In a specific circuit the feedback capacitor used is a polypropylene capacitor having a value of 0.01 μF with a tolerance of about +/- 5%. With a voltage drop across the capacitor C9 preferably in the range of or greater than the input voltage, i.e., approximately 100 volts rms. Further, the capacitor preferably has a low power dissipation factor on the order of about 0.1%. The ballast circuit 40 achieves a power factor in the range of .95, by employing the feedback topology which is a significant improvement over the power factor of 0.4 which was common in prior art ballast circuits. The feedback capacitor C9 also significantly reduces the total harmonic distortion of the lamp by dampening amplified higher order frequency harmonics present in the ballast circuit from the uncorrected input voltage.

Further Advantages of the Circuit of Figure 4 Typically, series resonant circuits tend to amplify higher order harmonics, since the series resonant capacitor resonates with the inductance of the power line inductor creating a ringing affect that amplifies these higher order harmonics. The high frequency voltage, supplied by the feedback capacitor C9, modulates the amplitude of the low frequency input voltage and harmonizes the phases of the resonant circuit current and the input current. Further, the modulation of the amplitude of the low frequency input voltage functions as a carrier to transport the high frequency current over substantially the entire low frequency cycle, e.g., 60 hertz. Therefore, connecting the feedback capacitor C9 to the input of the voltage amplification stage 48 also significantly improves the total harmonic distortion. As is known, the feedback, or active power factor correction, capacitor C9 insures a relatively clean, e.g., correct sinusoidal input voltage waveform suitable for operating one or more fluorescent lamps. Correcting distortions of the input voltage waveform protects the lamp from damage by transient signal perturbations as well as control current distortions that arise from the non-corrected input voltage.

Another advantage of the resonant circuit 52 is that it only requires a single linear inductor to control the switching of the resonant circuit and to limit the current that is applied to the lamp load. Resonant circuits of the prior art utilized either a combination of a saturation transformer to control the switching of the resonant circuit and a linear transformer to limit the current to the lamp load or two linear transformers one to control the switching of the resonant circuit and one to limit the current to the lamp load.

Compact Dimmable Fluorescent Lamp Figure 5 illustrates a compact dimmable fluorescent lamp 10 which is similar to the compact lamp illustrat in Figures 1 and 2 and includes a dimming capacity. The lamp 10 further comprises an electrical adjustment eleme 30, such as a variable resister, which has a manually adjustable knob 31. The adjustment element 30, whi electrically connects with a dimmable ballast circuit 49 within the ballast circuit housing 28 via a conductor 2 produces a controllable electrical signal in response to adjustment of the position of adjustment element 30. T adjustable knob 31 is preferably manually accessible on the exterior of the tubular portion 20d of the housing 20 The illustrated adjustable knob 31 is rotatable about an axis transverse to the longitudinal housing axi A preferred electrical adjustment element 30 includes, for example, a plurality of gears within the housing 20 whi engaged with a shaft of the electrical adjustment element 30 and with the shaft of the variable resistor R6 of Figu 11 described below.

In one alternate embodiment as illustrated in Figure 6, the lamp apparatus is similar to the lamp apparat of Figure 5 except that the adjustable knob 31 on the adapter 12 is replaced with a dimmer control 34 that extend about at least a part of an outer circumference of the housing 20. The dimmer control 34 is rotatable moveable t the housing 20 about the housing's longitudinal axis, as indicated with an arrow 36 extending along the directio of the rotational movement round the circumference of the housing 20. The dimmer control 34 is mechanically linke to the adjustment element 30 and variable resistor R6 of the ballast circuit in a manner similar to that previousl described in relation to knob 31. The illustrated dimmer control 34 encircles the housing tubular portion 20d to b accessible from any direction for manual adjustment. The dimmer control 34 thus electrically connects to th dimmable ballast circuit 49 within the ballast circuit housing 28, and manual circumferential movement of the dimme control 34 varies the light output of the lamp to the desired brightness.

In another alternate embodiment of the lamp apparatus as illustrated in Figure 7, the lam apparatus is similar to the lamp apparatus of Figure 6 except that the adaptor 12 includes an on-off switch 3 manually positionable and manually accessible external to the housing. The illustrated switch 38 is moveabl between discreet positions relative to the housing 20, as indicated with an arrow 39. The switch 38 is connecte to the dimmable ballast circuit 49 within the ballast circuit housing 28, Figure 6, within the housing 20 and link with the input source of electrical power through electrical conductors 26, which can be directly wired to a electrical fixture for permanent installation of the lamp.

Thus, referring to Figure 11, an on-off switch would be connected in series with input 41 A and fuse F1 Sliding the switch 38 to its on position enables current to flow from the electrical power source through th conductors 26 to the dimmable ballast circuit 49, thereby energizing the illumination element 14 and commencin operation of the lamp. Manual adjustment of the dimmer control 34 varies the position of variable resistor R9 an thus varies the light output as previously describes. Sliding the switch 38 to its off position terminates current flo to the control circuit, thereby ceasing lamp operation.

In another alternate embodiment of the lamp apparatus of the invention as illustrated in Figure 8 and 9, the lamp apparatus is similar to the lamp apparatus of Figure 6 except that the housing 20 includes on or more apertures 42. The apertures 42 permit entry of light from ambient surroundings, including other illuminatio sources and from the operation of the fluorescent illumination element 14, into the housing 20. In the lamp of Figures 8 and 9, the dimmable ballast circuit of Figure 11 will be modified to incorporate one or more of the light sensitive elements 46. These elements, which can be advantageously mounted on a circuit board 47, would control, for example, the operation of the dimmer transistor 03 of Figure 11. The modified dimmable ballast circuit within the circuit housing 28, Figure 8, is preferably located in the lower space 22b of the housing 20 and can also be mounted on the circuit board 47.

Apertures 42 are preferably positioned at or near the top end 20a of the housing 20 and arranged around the periphery of the housing. The apertures 42 can also be located in the housing tubular portion 20d. The number and location of the light sensing elements 46 within the housing determines, at least in part, the number and placement of the apertures 42 in the housing 20.

The apertures 42 preferably have protective panes 43 which protect the components inside the housing 20 from the environment outside the lamp apparatus 10, such as moisture and dust. The protective panes 43 are preferably made of a thin, optically transparent or translucent material, such as glass or plastic, although other types of optical filters can be used. It may be desirable, for example, to use plastic film as the protective panes 43 to darken or otherwise filter the light sensed by the light sensing elements 46 in the adaptor 12. The protective pads 43 can be located adjacent to and above and/or below the apertures 42 and can be affixed to the housing 20 according to methods known to those of skill in the art.

The light sensing element 46 is preferably a photo-sensitive control element, such as, for example, a photocell or a phototransistor. Preferably, the number of light sensing elements 46 equals the number of apertures 42, and it is further preferred to arrange the light sensing elements 46 to be directly below the apertures 42 so that the light sensing elements 46 receive light entering the housing through the apertures 42. In a preferred embodiment, the lamp apparatus 10 includes a plurality of light sensing elements 46 placed around the periphery of the adapter 12 directly beneath the apertures 42.

The housing 20 further includes an optical adjustment element 34 which is manually accessible on the outside of the adaptor 12 and is movable relative to the housing about the longitudinal axis, as indicated with an arrow 37 extending along the direction of rotational movement. The optical adjustment element 34 is illustrated as a ring member with manually accessible knobs or protuberances 45. The optical block passage of light to the light sensing elements 46 within the housing 20. The aperture occtuders 35 can be disposed within the housing 20, as shown in Figure 7, or they cen be located outside of the housing, or they can be located on the ring member itself. Preferably, the aperture occluders 35 are integrally formed with the ring member and extend axially from the ring member to shield the apertures from incoming light. The integrally formed aperture occluders preferably extend axially from the ring member below the aperture 42 and the light sensing element 46, as shown in Figure 7. Movement of the optical adjustment element 34 around the periphery of the housing 20 causes movement of the aperture occluder 35 across the aperture 42, as shown in Figure 6. The lamp apparatus 10 shown in Figure 8 can further include an optically transparent or translucent dome

50 which fits snugly with the adaptor 12 and protects the fluorescent illumination elements 14 and the apertures 42 from dirt, moisture, shock and the like. The dome 50 can be made of, for example, glass or plastic. If th apertures 42 are located on the top end 20a of the housing, the dome 50 can be used to cover and protect th entire top portion of the housing 20, thereby possibly eliminating the need for separate protective panes 43 in th apertures 42. However, if the apertures 42 are located elsewhere on the housing, protective panes 43 are preferabl used to isolate the components within the adapter housing 20 from the environment outside the adapter.

Operation of the lamp 10 is similar to the operation of the lamp 10 previously described. Manual rotatio of the optical adjustment element 34 determines the position of the aperture occluders 35 with respect to th apertures 42. The dimmable ballast circuit 49 within the circuit housing 28 can be designed to turn the lamp O in response to either an absence of light or the presence of light at the light sensing elements 46. In on embodiment of the invention, when the aperture occluders 35 completely cover the apertures 42, no ambient ligh nor light from the fluorescent illumination element 14 can enter the housing and impinge on the light sensing elemen 46. Thus, there is no electrical signal generated by the light sensing element 46 to the dimmable ballast circuit 4 within the circuit housing 28, and the dimmable ballast circuit 49 within the circuit housing 28 turns the lamp on. When the aperture occluders 35 are adjusted to partially block the apertures 42, some ambient light and/or light fro the fluorescent illumination element impinges on the light sensing element 46. A proportional electrical signal is thu generated by the light sensing element, thus driving the dimmable ballast circuit 49 within the circuit housing 28 to dim the lamp. When the aperture occluders are positioned so as not to block any portion of the apertures 42, an ambient light and/or light from the fluorescent illumination element can enter the aperture and impinge on the light sensing element 46 within the adapter. A maximum electrical signal is generated by the light sensing element 46, thus causing the dimmable ballast circuit 49 within the circuit housing 28 to turn the lamp off.

In an alternative embodiment, complete blockage of the apertures 42 by the aperture occluders 35 can cause the dimmable ballast circuit 49 within the circuit housing 28 to turn the lamp off. Conversely, positioning the aperture occluders 35 so that they do not block the apertures can cause the dimmable ballast circuit 49 within the circuit housing 28 to turn the lamp on. Dimming and ightening of the lamp are thus easily and conveniently achieved by manual positioning of the optical adjustment element 34 on the outside of the lamp.

The lamps thus described in association with Figures 5-9 provide dimmable and brightenable fluorescent light with manual adjustment of the knob 31 or the dimmer control 34 on the housing of the lamp. With the electrical connection of the lamp 10 to an electrical power source, the illumination element 14 provides variable fluorescent light output according to the position of the adjustable knob element 30, or dimmer control 34, either of which is electrically connected to the dimmable ballast circuit 49 within the circuit housing 28.

Block Diagram of the Preferred Embodiment of the Improved Ballast Figure 10 is a block diagram of a fluorescent lamp and dimmable ballast circuit 49 in accordance with copending application entitled IMPROVED BALLAST CIRCUIT FOR FLUORESCENT LAMP FIXTURES noted above. The illustrated dimmable ballast circuit 49 comprises similar elements to the ballast circuit 40 illustrated in Figure 3, such as an EMI filter stage 44, a rectification and voltage amplification stage 48, an active resonant circuit and power factor correction stage 52 and a lamp load 60, connected as shown. The dimmable ballast circuit 49 also includes a dimmable control stage 56 which is connected in parallel to the active resonant circuit and power factor stage 52. The dimming stage 56 is electrically connected to the resonant circuit and power factor stage 52 end produces an output dimming signal for varying the current supplied to the lamp load 60 by the resonant circuit 52 as described in greater detail below.

Circuit Schematic of the Preferred Embodiment of the Ballast Figure 11 illustrates a dimmable ballast circuit in accordance with the copending application noted above. The dimmable ballast circuit 49 operates in a similar manner as the ballast circuit 40 described in association with Figures 3 and 4. EMI filter stage 44 relocates the fuse FV in series with the line input 41A and inductor L1a. In the specific circuit, fuse FV is advantageously formed as a fusible link on the printed circuit. Inductor LI includes L1a and L2b, respectively, connected to both sides of the line voltage so as to buffer both lines for protecting the line against EMI. Advantageously, both L1a and Lib are magnetically coupled and are provided by two windings on a single core. Also, in the specific embodiment, a resistor R9 of 1 meg ohm is connected between the collector and base of transistor 01.

The dimming feature is provided by the addition of the dimming stage 56. The dimming stage 56 includes a transistor 03, storage capacitor C10, resistor R5, variable resistor R6, and a delay circuit comprising resistors R7, RIO and zener diode Zl. Although shown as part of a resonant circuit 52, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the transistor driving resistor R4 and the inductor L5 can be included in the dimming stage 56. A collector of transistor Q3 is electrically connected to circuit junction 66. An emitter of transistor Q3 is electrically connected to one end of inductor L5, one end of capacitor C6, and one end of capacitor CIO. The opposite end of capacitor C10 is connected to the base of transistor 03 and one end of resistor R5. The opposite end of resistor R5 is connected to one end of the variable resistor R6. The opposite end of the variable resistor R6 is connected to one end of resistor R4. The capacitor C10 and the resistor R5 form an RC circuit that preferably has a time constant between about 1 microsecond and about 6 microseconds.

In a specific embodiment, the components of the dimming stage 56 have the following values: the transistor 03 is a 2N3904 transistor, the storage capacitor C10 is approximately 0.01 μF, the resistor R5 is approximately 1 KΩ and is rated at 1(4 watt, the variable resistor R6 is approximately 2 KΩ and is rated at 1/4 watt, and zener diode Z1 is an IN5281 zener diode. A resistor R8 of 10 KΩ is located parallel with variable resistor R6.

The illustrated dimming stage 56 adjusts the level of lamp illumination by turning OFF transistor Q2 for selected portions of the voltage half cycle in which the transistor 02 would normally be turned ON, i.e., conducting. In a preferred embodiment, the conduction state of transistor Q3 controls the conduction state of transistor Q2. Specifically, when transistor Q3 conducts, transistor Q2 turns OFF and, conversely, when transistor Q3 is turned OFF, transistor 02 conducts. The variable resistor R6 controls the conduction state of transistor Q3 by varying the voltage drop acros capacitor C10. According to one embodiment, when the dimming stage total dimming resistance, defined as th cumulative resistance of resistor R5 and variable resistor R6, is relatively high, referred to as a minimum dimmin condition, the voltage drop across capacitor CIO is insufficient to turn ON transistor 03. During these conditions, transistor Q2 continues to conduct uninterruptedly during its normal conduction portion of the resonant circuit, and maximum current is supplied to the lamp load 60 to produce maximum lamp illumination. When the total dimming resistance is relatively low, the voltage drop across capacitor CIO increases and turns ON transistor Q3, which then prematurely turns OFF transistor Q2 during some selected portion of the resonant circuit cycle. When Q2 turns off, the resonant circuit automatically switches to the Q1 conduction portion of the resonant circuit. The total dimming resistance can be varied by manually adjusting the variable resistor R6 to define a lower or higher resistance for minimum dimming or maximum dimming, respectively. Specifically, the total dimming resistance as defined by the variable resistor R6 and resistor R5 determines the specific portion of the resonant circuit cycle in which transistor Q2 conducts. This, in turn, determines the amount of the lamp driving current that is applied to the load, and thus determines the lamp illumination level. Current Waveforms

Figure 12 illustrates the theoretical current waveform at the collectors of transistors 01 and Q2 during operation of the dimming circuit 56. The dashed lines represent each half cycle of the input circuit AC current and are provided to illustrate the operation of the transistors during the resonant circuit cycle. Waveform 70 shows the theoretical collector current of transistor 01 during normal operation of the ballast circuit 49. The transistor collector current is substantially identical during both dimming and non-dimming conditions since the conduction of transistor 01 is substantially unchanged during its normal conduction interval. Likewise, waveform 74 shows the theoretical current through the collector of transistor 02. As shown, transistors Q1 and Q2 conduct during opposite half cycle portions of the sinusoidal circuit current. The negative current values shown as triangular downward spikes, denote the period when both transistors 01 and 02 are turned off. However, each free-wheeling diode D4 and D5 conducts current when its respective transistor is turned off, thus maintaining a circuit pathway for the flow of the coupled inductive current during this time period. As shown in the illustrated waveform 70 and 74, the sequence of current flow through the transistors Q1 and 02 and the free-flowing diodes D4 and D5 is as follows: Current flows from the emitter of transistor 01 for a selected period 72A; current flows through the free-wheeling diode D4 for a selected period 72B with transistor Q1 turned off; current flows from the emitter of transistor Q2 for a selected period 72C; and finally current flows through the free-wheeling diode 05 for a selected period 72D with transistor Q2 turned off.

Waveforms 76 and 78 show that conduction of transistor Q3 prematurely turns OFF transistor Q2 for selected portions of its normal conduction interval. Waveform 76 shows the current waveform of transistor 02 with its conduction interval interrupted at a first selected location 73A. Similarly, waveform 78 shows the current waveform of transistor Q2 with its normal conduction interval interrupted at a second selection location 73B. A representative combined circuit waveform 80 of transistors 01 and 02 with a normal conduction interval of transistor 02 prematurely terminated illustrates that the duty cycle of the sinusoidal circuit is adjusted variably by the variable resistor R6. When the Q2 transistor is forced OFF, the 01 transistor turns ON and begins its portion of the resonant cycle. After the Q1 transistor completes its portion of the cycle, the Q2 transistor will turn ON for its suppressed portion of the cycle and then will switch back to the 01 portion of the cycle. The compression of the resonant cycle by the suppression of the Q2 transistor therefore increases the frequency of the resonant cycle by causing the operation of the Q1 and Q2 transistors to switch back and forth more frequently. The shifted current waveform produces an additional DC circuit component in the ballast current during operation. For example, the current waveform 79 of inductor L1 shows the alternating current passing through the inductors during dimming. The compressed conduction cycle of the transistors Q1 and Q2 produces a vertical shift in the current waveform which corresponds to an additional DC current component 79A. This DC current component 79A is filtered from the resonant circuit by the DC blocking capacitor C7. The excess charge that develops across capacitor C7 reduces overall operating voltage of the ballast circuit and thus reduces the level of current supplied to the lamp. Consequently, the resistor R6 controls the relative level of lamp brightness. Avoidance of Striation and Flickering Problems

The dimmable ballast circuits of the prior art suffered from striation problems and flickering problems, because the dimmable ballast circuits were not capable of properly driving the lamp load during certain dimming conditions, i.e, insufficient power was being supplied to the filaments. The dimmable ballast circuit 49 dims the lamp by reducing the current delivered to the lamps, however at the same time the voltage delivered to the lamps by the resonating storage capacitor C8 is increased, therefore the power to the filaments is maintained at a proper driving level. During full power, the filament voltage is approximately 2.2 volts. During a 20% dimming condition, the filament voltage increases to approximately 6.5 volts.

Referring also to Figure 11, there are two features of the lamp circuit which enable the increased voltage buildup at the resonating storage capacitor C8. As described above, the first reason for the increased voltage at the filaments is that the overall DC voltage of the resonating circuit increases and therefore the voltage applied to the filaments is increased. The second reason is that the shrinking conduction time of the Q2 transistor during dimming conditions increases the frequency of the resonating circuit. The increased frequency of the resonating circuit causes the capacitor C8 to have a lower impedance. The lower impedance of the capacitor C8 enables an increase in the current through the capacitor which increases the overall power applied to the filament. Further, by maintaining the power delivered to the filament at a preferred driving power range, the dimmable ballast circuit 49 is capable of properly driving the lamp filament over a wider dimming range without having the flickering and striation problems associated with prior art dimmable fluorescent lamps.

Delay Circuit A delay circuit is connected to the base of transistor Q3. This delay circuit comprises a zener diode Z1 in series with a resistor R10, and this series circuit in parallel with a much higher resistor R7. The zener diode Z1 ensures proper start-up operation of the fluorescent lamp by forcing the ballast circuit 49 to initially operate in maximum dimming conditions, e.g., minimum total dimming resistance. This condition exposes the fluorescent lam filaments to an appropriately high voltage level. During start up operations, the voltage amplification forces the zene diode Z1 to operate in its reverse breakdown region, thus temporarily bypassing the resistor R7 and maintaining voltage drop across capacitor C10 sufficient to cause 03 to remain on and 02 to remain off. Consequently, th dimming circuit 56 operates during start-up for maximum dimming, regardless of the position of the variable resisto R6. This topology allows the ballast circuit to accumulate high voltage levels across the lamp filaments and at the resonating storage capacitor C8, for subsequent striking of the lamp. Once the lamp is struck and the ballast circuit operates at the substantially reduced circuit running voltage, the zener diode Z1 stops conducting, and the high resistor R7 is again electrically associated with the dimming circuit. Advantages of the Ballast Circuit of Figure 11

The ballast circuits of the prior art, both dimmable and non-dimmable, required a larger number of components than the dimmable ballast circuit of the copending application entitled IMPROVED BALLAST CIRCUIT FOR FLUORESCENT LAMP note above. The large number of components in the prior art ballast circuits resulted in a low power efficiency of the circuit. Further, the additional components lowered the overall reliability of the circuit. Finally, the larger number of components caused difficulties in the manufacturing of the circuit.

A significant feature of the ballast circuit of Figure 11 is that it requires only one single active stage to perform all the necessary functions of a ballast circuit, including lamp start-up, lamp driving operations, and local dimming of the lamp. The streamlined circuit design of Figure 11 also provides for high electrical efficiency of the operating circuit because of the lack of additional parasitic active stages. In addition, as discussed above, the illustrated resonant circuit provides for low total harmonic distortion and for high power factor correction, for example, achieving a power factor of 0.95 or greater.

By only requiring one active stage, the ballast circuit of the present invention emits less electro-magnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI) than prior art fluorescent lamp ballast circuits. The prior art ballast circuits has at least two actives stages which operated at different frequencies. The noise caused by the independent active stages operating at different frequencies combines to form a large level of noise which has several different components which are hard to separate and filter out. The ballast circuit of the present invention has only one active stage and therefore produces noise at only one frequency and at a significantly lower level than the multiple active stage ballast circuits of the prior art. By only having a ballast circuit with only one active stage, the EMI filter stage 44 is able to filter the electro magnetic interference (EMI) to an acceptable level. Further, by having only one frequency of noise produced by the single active stage of the ballast circuit, the radio-frequency interference (RFI) can be kept at an lower more acceptable level.

The lower component count of the compact ballast circuit of the present invention reduces the reliability and manufacturing problems common in prior art dimmable ballast circuits. In addition, by lowering the active component count, the power dissipation across the dimmable ballast circuit of the present invention is significantly lower than in ballast circuits of the prior art. The lowered powered dissipation of the dimmable ballast circuit causes a lower ambient temperature in the ballast circuit housing 28. The lower ambient temperature reduces the long term stress on the components of the ballast circuit and increases the overall reliability of the circuit.

Many prior art ballast dimmer circuits can suffer catastrophic failure if power is applied without a fluorescent lamp in its socket. This adverse phenomena cannot occur with the invention since with the lamp removed, the circuits of both Figure 4 and Figure 11 are open circuit and the active resonant stage cannot initiate resonant high-frequency operation.

The illustrated dimmable circuit at Figure 11 can further be modified for use with a non-dimmable fluorescent lamp by replacing the variable resistor R6 with a fixed resistor (not shown). The value of the fixed resistor preferably continually biases this transistor 03 off, allowing the application of maximum power to the fluorescent lamp. Alternatively, the entire dimming stage 56 can be removed from the circuit as discussed in association with Figure 4, to reduce the overall cost of manufacturing the ballast circuit.

Rotatable Globe Dimmer Control Figures 13 and 14 show two additional embodiments of the present invention in which an external translucent globe 82 covers the fluorescent lamp tubes 84a. In both of these embodiments, rotation of the globe causes the fluorescent lamp to dim or become brighter as the globe is rotated.

Referring to Figure 13, the top end 94 of rod 86 is affixed to the inner apex 88 of the globe 82. The opposite bottom end of the rod extends to the ballast housing 90. In this embodiment, the housing exposes the control of variable resistor R6 of Figure 11 and the bottom end of the rod 92 is attached to this control so that as the rod is rotated by rotating the globe 82 about the axis of the rod 86, the fluorescent tubes 84a are dimmed by rotation in one direction and became brighter by rotation in the opposite direction.

The lamp shown in Figure 14 generally operates in the same manner as Figure 13 but is structurally somewhat different. In this embodiment, the bottom end 96 of the translucent globe 98 engages by a friction clamp or otherwise an annular ring 100. This ring 100 in turn is connected to the variable resistor R6 of Figure 11 so that when the globe 98 is rotated in one direction the fluorescent tubes 102a are dimmed and when the globe 98 is rotated in the opposite direction, the tubes 102a become brighter.

These embodiments exploit one of the significant advantages of the fluorescent lamp, namely that the fluorescent tubes operate warm to the touch and never hot. A comparable lamp globe housing an incandescent lamp would operate at far too high a temperature to use a covering globe as the dimmer control actuator.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A compact dimmable fluorescent lamp fixture generally comparable in size with an incandesce bulb of equivalent light output and having a screw-in socket compatible with the socket of such incandescent la so that the fixture can be substituted for an incandescent lamp comprising: a generally hollow shell attached to said screw-in socket; a ballast circuit connecting to the power line, said ballast circuit including a rotatable dimm control element enclosed within said shell; a fluorescent lamp tube attached to said hollow shell and connected to the output of said balla circuit; and a globe substantially covering said fluorescent lamp tube rotatably mounted with respect to sa hollow shell for rotation around the longitudinal axis of said globe, said globe being coupled to said rotatab dimmer control element enclosed within said shell.

2. The compact dimmable fluorescent lame fixture of Claim 1 wherein rotation of said globe caus rotation of said rotatable dimmer control element so that the intensity of light output from said fluorescent tube adjusted by rotation of said globe.

3. The compact dimmable fluorescent lamp fixture of Claim 1 having a globe support memb rotatably mounted with respect to said hollow shell, said member being coupled to said rotatable dimmer contr element and to said shell.

4. The compact dimmable fluorescent lamp fixture of Claim 3 wherein said globe support memb comprises a rod which is coupled at one end to said rotatable dimmer control element and at the other end t substantially the apex of the inner wall of said globe.

5. The compact dimmable fluorescent lamp fixture of Claim 3 wherein said globe support memb comprises a generally rotatable member coupled to said rotatable dimmer control element and extending substantiall around the outer periphery of said hollow shell, said rotatable member coupled to said dimmer control element, sai rotatable member in circumferential engagement with a portion of said globe.

6. A compact dimmable fluorescent lamp fixture having a screw-in socket compatible with the socke of an incandescent lamp so that the fixture can be substituted for an incandescent lamp comprising a generally hollow shell attached to said screw-in socket; a ballast circuit having an input and output, said input connecting to the power line, said ballas circuit including a dimmer control element enclosed within said shell; a fluorescent lamp tube attached to said hollow shell and connected to the output of said ballas circuit; and a rotatable member coupled to said dimmer control element extending substantially around th outer periphery of said hollow shell, said rotatable member coupled to said dimmer control element of sai ballast circuit.

7. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus comprising an electrical socket base threading into an electrical lamp socket, said base having conductors connecting with corresponding conductors of the electrical lamp socket; an electrically insulat^'ive housing having a top end axially spaced from a bottom end and mounting said base at said bottom end; a fluorescent illumination element having electrical contacts and having a tubular portion extending between said base at said bottom end and said top end, said fluorescent element being mounted at the top end of said housing; a controllable electrical circuit disposed within said housing and connected with the electrical conductors of said base for receiving electrical power and having output conductors for electrical connection to the contacts of a fluorescent illumination element, said element applying an adjustable variable operating excitation to a fluorescent illumination element in response to a controllable electrical signal; and an electrical adjustment element being manually positionable and connected with said controllable electrical means for producing said controllable signal in response to adjustable positioning of said electrical adjustment element, said electrical adjustment element being manually accessible externally of said housing tubular portion.

8. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus according to Claim 7 wherein said electrical adjustment element is movable along the circumference of said housing tubular portion about an axis of said housing extending between said base and said top end.

9. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus according to Claim 8 wherein said electrical adjustment element includes a manually accessible ring member extending around the circumference of said housing tubular portion.

10. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus according to Claim 7 wherein said electrical adjustment element is rotatable about an axis transverse to an axis of said housing extending between said base and said top end.

11. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein said fluorescent illumination element has said electrical contacts fixedly connected with the electrical conductors in said electrical socket base.

12. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus according to Claim 7 wherein said lamp fluorescent illumination element is removably mounted to said housing.

13. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus comprising an electrically insulat^'ive housing having a top end axially spaced from a bottom end, said housing having lamp supporting means at said top end for mountingly receiving a fluorescent illumination element having electrical contacts and having a tubular portion extending between said bottom end and said supporting means at said top end; controllable electrical circuit means disposed within said housing and having electrical conductors extending from said bottom end of said housing for receiving electrical power, and further having output conductors for electrical connection to the contacts of a fluorescent illumination element mountingly received in said supporting means and applying an adjustable variable operating electrical excitation to a fluorescent illumination element in response to a controllable electrical signal; an electrical adjustment element being manually positionable and connected with said circuit means for producing said controllable signal in response to adjustable positioning of said electrical adjustment element, said electrical adjustment element being manually accessible externally of said housing tubular portion; and control means having a manually positionable switch connected with said controllable circuit means and with a source of electrical power for exciting said fluorescent illumination element, said switch being manually accessible externally of said housing tubular portion.

14. Dimmable lamp apparatus comprising an electrical socket base for threading into an electrical lamp socket and having electrical conductors arranged for electrical connection with corresponding conductors of the electrical lamp socket; an electrically insulative housing having a top end axially spaced from a bottom end and mounting said base at said bottom end, said housing having lamp supporting means at said top end for mounting receiving an illumination element having electrical contacts and having a tubular portion extending between said base at said bottom end and said supporting means at said top end; controllable electrical circuit means disposed within said housing and connected with the electrical conductors of said base for receiving electrical power and having output conductors for electrical connection tot he contacts of an illumination element mountingly received in said supporting means and applying an adjustable variable operating electrical excitation to an illumination element in response to a controllable electrical signal; and an electrical adjustment element being manually positionable and connected with said circuit means for producing said controllable signal in response to adjustable positioning of said electrical adjustment element, said electrical adjustment element being manually accessible externally of said housing tubular portion and including a manually accessible ring member extending around the circumference of said housing tubular portion.

15. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus comprising an electrical socket for threading into an electrical lamp socket and having electrical conductors arranged for electrical connection with corresponding conductors of the electrical lamp socket; an electrically insulative housing having a top end axially spaced from a bottom end and mounting said base at said bottom end, said housing having lamp supporting means at said top end for mountingly receiving a fluorescent illumination element having electrical contacts and having a tubular portion extending between said base at said bottom end and said supporting means at said top end, said housing having one or more apertures to permit light resulting from ambient conditions and from illumination of said fluorescent lamp element and from other illumination sources to enter said housing through said apertures; controllable electrical circuit means disposed within said housing and connected with the electrical conductors of said base for receiving electrical power and having output conductors for electrical connection to the contacts of a fluorescent illumination element mountingly received in said supporting means and applying an adjustable variable operating electrical excitation to a fluorescent illumination element in response to a controllable electrical signal; light sensing mans disposed within said housing and in electrical connection with said controllable electrical circuit means; and optical adjustment means for controlling the entry of said light through said apertures, thereby controlling impingement of said light onto said light sensing means for producing said controllable signal in response to adjustable positioning of said optical adjustment means, said optical adjustment means being manually accessible externally of said housing tubular portion.

16. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus according to Claim 15 wherein said apertures are disposed in said top end of said housing.

17. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus according to Claim 15 wherein said apertures are disposed in said housing tubular portion.

18. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus according to Claim 15 wherein said light sensing means are positioned within said housing so as to receive ambient light and light resulting from illumination of said fluorescent lamp element and other illumination sources through said apertures.

19. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus according to Claim 15 wherein said optical adjustment means comprises a manually positionable ring member rotatable about an axis of said housing extending between said base and said top end.

20. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus according to Claim 19 wherein said manually positionable ring member further comprises one or more aperture occluders proximal to each of said apertures and movable across each of said apertures in response to movement of said ring member for variable occlusion of light impinging on said light sensing means.

21. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus according to Claim 20 wherein said aperture occluders are integrally formed with said ring member.

22. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus according to Claim 15 wherein said apertures have protective panes.

23. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus according to Claim 22 wherein said protective panes are made of an optically transparent material.

24. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus comprising an electrical socket base for threading into an electrical lamp socket and having electrical conductors arranged for electrical connection with corresponding conductors of the electrical lamp socket; an electrically insulative housing having a top end axially spaced from a bottom end and mounting said base at said bottom end, said housing having a lamp supporting element at said top end for mountingly recerviπg a fluorescent illumination element having electrical contacts and having a tubular portion extendin between said base at said bottom end and said supporting element at said top end; a controllable electrical circuit disposed within said housing and connected with the electrica conductors of said base for receiving electrical power and having output conductors for electrical connectio to the contacts of a fluorescent illumination element mountingly received in said supporting element an applying an adjustable variable operating electrical excitation to a fluorescent illumination element in response to a controllable electrical signal; and an electrical adjustment element being manually positionable and connected with said circuit for producing said controllable signal in response to adjustable positioning of said electrical adjustment element, said electrical adjustment element being manually accessible externally of said housing tubular portion.

25. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus comprising an electrically insulative housing having a top end axially spaced from a bottom end, said housing having a lamp supporting element at said top end for mountingly receiving a fluorescent illumination element having electrical contacts and having a tubular portion extending between said bottom end and said supporting element at said top end; a controllable electrical circuit disposed within said housing and having electrical conductors extending from said bottom end of said housing for receiving electrical power, and further having output conductors for electrical connection to the contacts of a fluorescent illumination element mountingly received in said supporting element and applying an adjustable variable operating electrical excitation to a fluorescent illumination element in response to a controllable electrical signal; an electrical adjustment element being manually positionable and connected with said circuit for producing said controllable signal in response to adjustable positioning of said electrical adjustment element, said electrical adjustment element being manually accessible externally of said housing tubular portion; and a manually positionable switch connected with said controllable circuit and with a source of electrical power for exciting said fluorescent illumination element, said switch being manually accessible externally of said housing tubular portion.

26. Dimmable lamp apparatus comprising an electrical socket base for threading into an electrical lamp socket and having electrical conductors arranged for electrical connection with corresponding conductors of the electrical lamp socket; an electrically insulative housing having a top end axially spaced from a bottom end and mounting said base at said bottom end, said housing having a lamp supporting element at said top end for mountingly receiving an illumination element having electrical contacts and having a tubular portion extending between said base at said bottom end and said supporting element at said top end; a controllable electrical circuit disposed within said housing and connected with the electrical conductors of said base for receiving electrical power and having output conductors for electrical connection to the contacts of illumination element in response to a controllable electrical signal; and an electrical adjustment element being manually positionable and connected with said circuit for producing said controllable signal in response to adjustable positioning of said electrical adjustment element, said electrical adjustment element being manually accessible externally of said housing tubular portion and including a manually accessible ring member extending around the circumference of said housing tubular portion.

27. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus comprising an electrical socket base for threading into an electrical lamp socket and having electrical conductors arrangement for electrical connection with corresponding conductors of the electrical lamp socket; an electrically insulative housing having a top end axially spaced from a bottom end and mounting said base at said bottom end, said housing having a lamp supporting element at said top end for mountingly receiving a fluorescent illumination element having electrical contacts and having a tubular portion extending between said base at said bottom end and said supporting element at said top end, said housing having one or more apertures to permit light resulting from ambient conditions and from illumination of said fluorescent lamp element and from other illumination sources to enter said housing through said apertures; a controllable electrical circuit disposed within said housing and connected with the electrical conductors of said base for receiving electrical power and having output conductors for electrical connection to the contacts of a fluorescent illumination element mountingly received in said supporting element and for applying an adjustable variable operating electrical excitation to a fluorescent illumination element in response to a controllable electrical signal; one or more light sensing elements disposed within said housing and in electrical connection with said controllable electrical circuit; and one or more optical adjustment elements for controlling the entry of said light through said apertures, thereby controlling impingement of said light onto said light sensing elements for producing said controllable signal in response to adjustable positioning of said optical adjustment elements, said optical adjustment elements being manually accessible externally of said housing tubular portion.

28. Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus comprising an electrically insulative housing having a top end axially spaced from a bottom end and mounting said base at said bottom end, said housing having lamp supporting means at said top end for mountingly receiving a fluorescent illumination element having electrical contacts and having a tubular portion extending between said base at said bottom end and said supporting means at said top end, said housing having one or more apertures to permit light resulting from ambient conditions and from illumination of said fluorescent lamp element and from other illumination sources to enter said housing through said apertures; controllable electrical circuit means disposed within said housing and connected with the electrical conductors of said base for receiving electrical power and further having output conductors for electrical connection to the contacts of a fluorescent illumination element mountingly received in said supporting means and for applying an adjustable variable operating electrical excitation to a fluorescent illumination element in response to a controllable electrical signal; light sensing means disposed within said housing and in electrical connection with said controllable electrical means; optical adjustment means for controlling the entry of said light through said apertures, thereby controlling impingement of said light onto said light sensing means for producing said controllable signal in response to adjustable positioning of said optical adjustment means, said optical adjustment means being manually accessible externally of said housing tubular portion; and a manually positionable switch connected with said controllable electrical circuit means and with a source of electrical power for exciting said fluorescent illumination element, said switch being manually accessible externally of said housing tubular portion.

29. Electric circuit apparatus for dimmable operation of a fluorescent lamp, and comprising a rectifier for producing a rectified voltage in response to an alternating supply voltage; output terminals for connection to a fluorescent lamp device; a controlled converter connected with said rectifier and applying switched current to said output terminals for operating a fluorescent lamp device connected thereto, with a parameter of the switched current responsive to the signal at a control input for selectively dimming the resultant illumination from a relatively maximal level; and a dimming control stage connected with the control input of the controlled converter and having a photoresponsive circuit element for applying to the control input a signal selectively responsive to the level of light incident on the photoresponsive circuit element.

30. Electric circuit apparatus according to Claim 27 further comprising an adjustable optical occluder in optical alignment with the photoresponsive circuit element for selecting the signal produced at the control input for a given light condition.