Abstract: A lamp ballast connectable with a d.c. source comprises a regulating device having a voltage coil and a load coil. The voltage coil is connected in a circuit in parallel with the series-connected load coil and lamp. Alternate charge and discharge of a capacitor connected with the voltage coil impresses an alternating voltage thereacross. The capacitor is charged by current through the voltage coil and is discharged through a resonant commutating circuit comprising a thyristor triggered from an oscillator pulse circuit at a frequency of several KHz. The commutating circuit, which has a resonant frequency about twice that of the oscillator, further comprises a commutating reactor having substantially lower impedance than the load and voltage coils, a back current diode, and a resistance-capacitance dV/dt clamp that reduces back voltage spikes across the thyristor to safe rates of rise.

Abstract: A control circuit including at least one switch and a plurality of rectifiers for selectively applying a-c utility power to either or both of two remote electrically-powered apparatus at respective first and second states of rectification by means of a conventional two-wire interconnection cable. Where one of the apparatus is of a type, such as a motor, adapted to be powered by a full-wave a-c, the control circuit includes a relay and relay switch responsive to switch-selectable half-wave a-c for connecting the motor to receive full-wave power. In one disclosed embodiment, the two apparatus comprise a composite smoke detector and lamp fixture, and the control circuit provides continuous power at a first state of rectification to the smoke detector portion of the fixture and switch-selectable power at a second state of rectification to the fixture lamp.

Abstract: A starter circuit for a hot cathode discharge lamp which has a switching element which is connected across the lamp to permit a cathode heating current to flow and then opens to permit the lamp to strike. The starter circuit has a thyristor as the switch element, and a control circuit for rendering the thyristor conductive at a desired point during each cycle of the applied voltage. The control circuit includes means for increasing the instantaneous applied voltage which is required to trigger the thyristor with successive cycles of the applied voltage after switch-on of the circuit. This means preferably includes a capacitor which is progressively charged to provide an increasing bias which must be overcome by the applied voltage. If the lamp fails to strike, the required voltage for triggering goes on increasing until it is too high for the thyristor to trigger at all. No damage can then occur to the starter circuit or the lamp ballast.

Abstract: An anode for an electron beam laser is formed by a thin metallic foil which functions both as a laser cavity wall having an airtight seal, and as a window which permits the passage of electrons therethrough into the laser cavity. This foil anode is supported on a frame structure in a manner such that the foil presents a smooth surface for the laser gas flow and the frame structure provides cooling for the anode to dissipate the heat generated by the electron flow. This frame structure includes a plurality of similar side-by-side, longitudinal, substantially flat, web elements which are separated from each other by gaps through which the electrons can pass. The web elements have cooling tubes welded to each of the opposite edges thereof, one of the tubes being capped with a flat strip which provides a flat surface against which the foil anode can be supported.

Abstract: Ultrasharp diamond edges and points which are usable as high intensity point sources for the emission of electrons, ions, X-rays, coherent and incoherent light and high frequency electromagnetic radiation are produced by preparing and classifying ultrafine diamond powder having a particle size of 10 to 100 angstroms, placing the powder in a diamond mold defining the ultrasharp edge or point to be produced and applying a pressure of the order of 80 to 90 kb while heating the powder to a temperature of the order of 2440.degree. K. in an ultrahigh vacuum or inert atmosphere after degasing to avoid oxidation of the diamond powder.

Abstract: The electron beam forming device uses a field effect electron emitter with a control electrode disposed on the surface thereof for field effect release of electrons. The control electrode can be shaped to produce a selective or segmented field for developing a particular current path. However, the shape of the beam is determined by the shape of the conductor of the backing plate which is external to tube housing instead of the internal control electrode. Thus multiple beams can be obtained from one emitting array and the final configuration of the device can be changed after the device is built.

Abstract: The effect of a three way lamp bulb is achieved with a single filament bulb through the use of a variable duty cycle circuit and a touch control mounted in the base of the lamp. The circuit features a touch control incremented counter which controls the ramp rise rate of a sawtooth generator which is synchronized with the A. C. source. A trigger circuit accepts the sawtooth waveform to produce triac control pulses of time durations dependent upon the ramp rise rate.

Abstract: The tubistor is a device which incorporates features of both electron tubes and solid state devices such as a transistor and includes extremely close spacing between the multiple conducting elements of the device. The tubistor comprises a section of an oxide-metal composite that has been ion milled to produce inverted cones in the oxide with the emitting metal fibers at the bottom. A conducting layer deposited on the insulating layer surface forms a type of grid. A collector or anode disposed above the grid collects electrons emitted from the emitter when the appropriate potentials are applied to the device.

Abstract: An oscillation generator providing a succession of oscillations repetitively and progressively varying in amplitude includes a feedback oscillator arranged to receive its operating voltage from a capacitor that is progressively charged from a periodically fluctuating voltage source by way of an SCR and a timing circuit arranged to progressively vary the timing during the fluctuation period of the source of firing signals applied to the SCR. The timing circuit includes a firing capacitor charged from a unidirectional source and semiconductor switches arranged, when the potential on the firing capacitor attains a predetermined level, to discharge the capacitor into the trigger electrode of the SCR. The time required for the potential on the firing capacitor to reach the predetermined level is varied by a saw-tooth generator that controls the charging potential for the capacitor.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp has an extension base at one end thereof which contains an impedance to reduce current flow through the lamp. The length of the lamp plus extension base equals the length of a standard fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: A shielding and retaining system for vehicle engine electrical components, and particularly, components forming part of the ignition system thereof such as the spark plugs, ignition coil and distributor. The spark plug, when located in the engine block, is shielded by means of a spark plug shield. In addition, the distributor is provided with a body enclosure which is disposed around the distributor and is secured thereto thereby providing electrical shielding around the distributor. In like manner, a separate body enclosure is provided to be fitted around the coil and which also prevents radio frequency signals emanating from the coil. With a minimum amount of shielding components, it is possible to reduce a substantial portion of radio frequency noise.

Abstract: A high intensity light source having high repetition rate and narrow pulse-width. The light source comprises a metal casing having coaxially mounted arcing electrodes therein which utilize the capacitance of the coaxial system to charge up to the arcing potential. One electrode is electrically connected to the end wall of the casing to provide a reflected wavefront from the end wall after an arc has been struck, such wavefront serving to extinguish the arc and thus provide a sharp pulse. The lamp may be used for such areas as photochemical and photobiological research, in place of much costlier nanosecond lasers.

Abstract: An energizing circuit for gas discharge lamps for room or street lighting or for lights used in document copying machines and the like comprises means for continuously energizing the same at a low non-useful light producing level when such lamps are not needed by a voltage which strikes an arc and maintains a low level of ionization with an infinitesimally small current and very little energy drain. This voltage may be an AC voltage or a DC voltage supplied by a unique circuit including a number of DC voltage sources, rectifiers, voltage adjusting and current-limiting impedances and electronic switches. The lamps are energized by AC or pulsating DC supplied by the aforesaid or other electronic switches operated at a high frequency of at least about 20-30 kilo-Hertz.

Abstract: A light control device for a high frequency lighted fluorescent lamp includes a high frequency variable voltage power source. A first impedance element (a capacitor and inductor in series) is provided between the terminals of the lamp on the side opposite to the power source. A second impedance element (an inductor) is connected between the power source and the terminals of the lamp, and a third impedance element (a capacitor) is connected across the lamp on the power source side. A constant power source circuit supplies, upon starting of the lamp, constant power to the first impedance element to thereby apply substantially constant cathode pre-heating current and starting voltage and applies, during the lighting of the lamp, substantially constant cathode heating current. The control circuit is capable of pre-set light control. The light control device suppresses beat interference and fluorescent lamp noises due to the electric field radiated from the lamp. Rapid and instant starting is enabled.

Abstract: A protective cap is provided for a cathode ray tube-base assembly. The cap incorporates discrete means for maintaining alignment and protection of an array of tube pins at least one is spatially encompassed within a tubular isolation structure of the base.

Abstract: An electroluminescent display device includes at least two conductive leads spaced from each other with a light-emitting element electrically coupled between such leads. A transparent, insulating base is formed about and between the leads. The base encapsulates both the leads and the light-emitting element.At least one lateral portion of each lead extends beyond the base and substantially conforms to the configuration of the base. In conforming such lateral portions, they are preferably wrapped around the base and fixed to it. These lateral portions are arranged so that light from the light-emitting element may pass axially through the base and out of its ends. In addition, light may pass laterally out of the base.The device may also be used for circuit protection purposes. To so use the device, a protective element is electrically coupled between the leads so that upon the occurrence of an overload condition in an external circuit coupled to the lateral portions, the protective element decouples the leads.

Abstract: A tube socket is especially adapted for use with a longitudinally extending cathode ray tube of the type having a plurality of high voltage pins and a plurality of relatively low voltage pins spaced apart, with each of the high voltage pins being encased in a protective silo. The socket includes a cap member defining a silo filler open at the bottom thereof and adapted to enter the tube silo. High voltage terminals mounted on the cap member extend into the silo fillers and are adapted to conductively receive the high voltage pins.

Abstract: A cathode support assembly includes an apertured ceramic member, an apertured spring washer, and a dual diameter eyelet having an outwardly crimped portion and a peened end portion exerting a force on the ceramic member and spring washer therebetween. In the fabrication process, the ceramic member and spring washer are telescoped over the eyelet and into contact with the crimped portion and the end of the eyelet is peened into contact therewith to exert a force thereon.

Abstract: The titled assembly comprises a ceramic substrate having opposed surfaces bearing thereon discrete metallized patterns. One of the patterns serves as a base for an electron emissive material and the other serves as a heater.

Abstract: To connect the respective rear light circuits of a towing vehicle and a trailer, the conventional rear light bulbs of a towing vehicle are replaced with otherwise conventional rear light bulbs, each modified by having extending electrical wires passing from its base contacts upwardly in its conventional round base, while at the same time passing through a depression groove of its otherwise conventional glass envelope, and thereafter freely extending a selected distance for attachment to the rear light circuits of a trailer. These otherwise conventional rear light bulbs with their extending electrical wires are made by a method centering on the selective heating of a portion of the glass of an initially conventional glass envelope to create on its exterior the weathertight depression groove extending for a length slightly longer than the depth of its round base.