Abstract: A kayak paddle safety lighting system incorporated into a kayak paddle that may serve as a set of illumination or running lights more effective than current deck mounted running lights. The lighting system includes an operational switch located in the handle of the paddle, LEDs located in the paddles are preferably illuminated by activation of the switch and an included battery. In its preferred embodiment, the system includes a microcontroller which is programmed with a plurality of different operational lighting modes including steady dim and bright, intermittent flashing and distress signals as flashing the S.O.S. code. In a further preferred embodiment the components in the system are wireless, with the electrical communication being by means of an rf signal.

Abstract: A standby ballast for a fluorescent lamp in a lighting circuit powered normally by a main AC power supply, and in the event of main power supply failure, powered by an auxiliary standby generator, the standby ballast operable to provide AC power to the lamp for the interim between failure of main AC power supply and the supply of stabilized auxiliary AC power from the standby generator as it has started and reached normal operating condition.

Abstract: A lighting system is provided having a central power supply which includes an AC to DC converter. The DC power is distributed to a plurality of ballast circuits for discharge lamps. Each ballast circuit includes an inverter circuit for inverting the DC power to AC power of sufficient voltage to operate the associated lamps. Should the AC input power for the central power supply fail, batteries may be provided to supply the DC power continuously without interruption.The inverter circuits are operated at high frequency to reduce audible noise and eliminate noticeable strobing. The inverter circuit includes a switching circuit controlled by a pulse train. The duty cycle of the pulse train is controlled in accordance with a composite feedback signal which is the product of signals representative of the lamp operating voltage and lamp current.