Importance

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Abstract

An alternating current lampchanger control circuit for driving a rotatable turret having a plurality of lamps, such as used in a navigational light. An input receives pulsed alternating current signals and is connected to a power circuit including fixed contacts for supplying the pulsed signals to one of the lamps in the turret. A lampout sensing circuit includes a transformer which has a primary in the lamp power circuit and has a rectifier connected to the transformer secondary. Switching means are connected to the rectifier and are actuated to an on position by a lamp failure. An alternating current turret motor is connected to the input or to a continuous source of alternating electrical current through the switching means for rotating the turret upon a lamp failure. The switching means may include a first triac controlling a second triac connected to the motor. Third switching means are included in a feedback loop to provide an alternating current drive for the motor in a continuous mode. A capacitor is connected to and actuated by a current flow to the motor with a fourth switch connected between the capacitor and the first switch which is actuated when a new lamp is rotated into position whereby the charged capacitor turns the power to the motor off. A fifth switch is connected in the motor circuit to stop the motor when all the lamps burn out. A test switch is connected between the lampout sensing circuit and ground causing the motor to run for testing. A peak suppression circuit prevents unwanted actuation of the switches.

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First Claim