Abstract: A light switch cover plate having mechanism for recording and playing back an audio sample through a speaker when the light switch is turned either on or off. Several messages can be recorded and they can be played back serially or randomly.

Abstract: An improved dynamic range dimmer for gas discharge lamps is provided in which the frequency is shifted during the startup of the lamp, and the frequency is shifted and the duty cycle is varied to dim the light emitted by the lamp. When dimming is desired the frequency is shifted to increase the voltage available to the lamp, which then has its power reduced by controlling its duty cycle. Such an arrangement provides a greater range of light intensity variation. If the lamp is turned off while set to a dimmed level, then the frequency is automatically restored to the resonant value used when starting the lamp, to assure breakdown of the plasma in the lamp for proper ignition.

Abstract: A lamp socket is provided which contains a ballast, or lamp driver which remains in the socket when the tube is replaced and supports the gas discharge tube. The lamp socket includes connectors for attachment to the gas discharge tube, lamp driver circuitry including an oscillator, power semiconductors, and protective and filter circuitry, and a housing containing the lamp driver circuitry including an oscillator, power semiconductors, and protective and filter circuitry.

Abstract: An improved dynamic range dimmer for gas discharge lamps is provided in which the frequency is shifted during the startup of the lamp, and the frequency is shifted and the duty cycle is varied to dim the light emitted by the lamp. When dimming is desired the frequency is shifted to increase the voltage available to the lamp, which then has its power reduced by controlling its duty cycle. Such an arrangement provides a greater range of light intensity variation. If the lamp is turned off while set to a dimmed level, then the frequency is automatically restored to the resonant value used when starting the lamp, to assure breakdown of the plasma in the lamp for proper ignition.

Abstract: A light switch cover plate having mechanism for recording and playing back an audio sample through a speaker when the light switch is turned either on or off. Several messages can be recorded and they can be played back serially or randomly.

Abstract: Fluorescent type lamps are arranged to have high frequency power derived from standard, commercial A.C. sources either directly or from power levels distributed from a master ballast. When the master ballast is employed, it functions as an interface between the primary power source and a distribution network to one or more modules so as to relieve the modules of operations such as initial power form conversions, filtering and power factor correcting which require large components. The module or modules driven by the master ballast output are contained within the lamp envelope or attached as an extension of the lamp envelope. The module is formed of elements mounted as a miniaturized unit configured to fit within the lamp envelope or to attach to the end of the envelope. The module includes oscillator components mounted on an elongated board so as to form an assembly with a cross-section compatible with the perimeter of the envelope itself.