CONTROLLER FOR A LAMP FITTED WITH MORE THAN ONE LIGHT SOURCE AND CONTROLLER FOR A LAMP FITTED WITH TWO GAMES OF LIGHT SOURCES, EACH GAME AT LEAST ONE SOURCE OF LIGHT

摘要

A controller for controlling operation of a multi-filament lamp is provided that permits selection of the filament to be energized from a control box placed at a remote location from the lamp. Only two leads are required to electrically connect the control box to the lamp. The controller automatically switches energizing power from a burned out filament to an alternate filament. The controller can also include a source of alternate power for the controller in the event that primary power is lost. The controller can also include a lock out feature which prevents switching energizing power at the control box from an energized filament to a failed filament. 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to controllers for lamps and, in particular, a controller for a lamp having more than one light source that permits control of the lamp from a location remote from the lamp. 2. Description of the Prior Art Lamps having more than one light source are known generally and are useful during the performance of surgical procedures. Such lamps provide a readily available source of light upon failure of one of the light sources of the lamp. For example, the lamp disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 936,240 filed Aug. 24, 1978, discloses a lamp having multiple filaments, each of which provides light having a pattern different from those provided by the remaining sources. Although lamps having more than one light source are more useful during performance of surgical procedures than are lamps with a single light source, several problems are associated with their use. First, the selection of which light source is energized must be made at the lamp head. Further, the switch to an alternate light source upon failure of an energized light source must be accomplished manually which causes a temporary loss of light.