Abstract: An EL display unit which can realize an appropriate image display corresponding to an input video signal in a simple structure. N driving transistors individually supplying drive currents to N electroluminescence elements respectively. The driving transistors have channel widths and/or channel lengths to generate the drive currents in a ratio in which each of the N electroluminescence elements is driven to emit light at a desired intensity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a supply device for discharge lamps, which comprises, for each lamp:

Abstract: An LED array composed of a plurality of LEDs is disposed on either side of a signal interconnection board, while metal plates are disposed on the other side of the signal interconnection board as positive and negative power source lines for driving the LEDs, respectively, and a capacitor is provided between the positive metal plate for power supply and the negative metal plate for power supply. As a result, the LED array in which an output light is not lowered in power, no variations in light output arises in every LEDs, and all the LEDs can be turned on simultaneously is provided.

Abstract: A ballast circuit independently energizes first and second lamps. In one embodiment, an inverter provides a drive signal for energizing the first and second lamps. A first signal detection circuit detects a first AC input signal and a second signal detection circuit detects a second AC input signal, each of which energizes a respective one of first and second lamps. A first lamp control circuit receives a signal from the first signal detector such that the first lamp is energized by the drive signal when the first AC input signal is present. Similarly, a second lamp control circuit receives a signal from the second signal detector such that the second lamp is energized by the drive signal when the second AC input signal is present.

Abstract: A ballast circuit includes a rectifier for coupling to independent first and second AC input signals, a first inverter for energizing a first lamp and a second inverter for energizing a second lamp. A boost converter can be coupled between the rectifier and the inverters. The first inverter is enabled when the first AC input signal is applied to the rectifier and the second inverter is enabled when the second AC input signal is present.

Abstract: An electronic display for amusement or ornamentation includes a CMOS counter chip connected to a low voltage DC source, with each counter output connected directly to one of a plurality of LEDs. An antenna wire, which can be a short length of wire or a wire hook is connected directly to the trigger input of the chip, and the ambient field-induced AC voltage on the antenna is sufficient to actuate the counter chip and cause the LEDs to flicker sequentially as the counter outputs are incremented. The LEDs may be embodied in a wide variety of decorative arrays to represent objects, images, and icons. The visual effect is not monotonous, due to the natural variations of the ambient field about the ornament. The invention also comprises a Christmas tree light assembly, including a plurality of ornaments, each constructed as described and including a hook-shaped antenna wire for hanging on a Christmas tree. Each ornament may be powered by an individual battery included therein.

Abstract: A pair of transistors (110 and 112) configured with their channels connected in series. The gate of the "upper" transistor (110) is coupled to a relatively low-voltage, DC power supply voltage by a voltage-clamping and current-steering diode (144); to a relatively high-voltage, DC power supply voltage by the series combination of a current-steering diode (152) and one voltage-clamping zener diode (154 and 156) and coupled to the source of the "upper" transistor by a charge-removing resistor (162).

Abstract: An electronic switching circuit with driver which may be used to turn on an incandescent light after a predetermined delay and which circuit output may be utilized to trigger either itself or a like circuit connected in series. The electronic circuitry may optionally be contained within an electrical socket which provides both trigger input and output leads whereby the electrical sockets may then be connected in series to produce a cascade lighting system.

Abstract: A non-arcing electrical switch is disclosed wherein a solid-state switching element is operated in response to current flow within an external circuit. The switch is particularly suitable for use within an auxiliary lighting circuit of a gaseous discharge lamp. Because the switch operates in response to the current drawn by the gaseous discharge lamp rather than a specific sensed voltage, it may be used with virtually any type of clamp or lamp operating circuit.

Abstract: The invention provides a high-pressure discharge lamp incorporating an outer envelope storing a pair of electric terminals a plurality of arc tubes which are respectively stored in this outer envelope and electrically connected in parallel, and a plurality of ignition aids available for assisting operating of these arc tubes, where these ignition aids are provided for each of these arc tubes and contain potentials different from each other. In addition, the invention also provides a lighting system for operating the high-pressure discharge lamp.

Abstract: An exposure control (A) selectively applies electrical power across a transformer (10) of a high voltage power supply (B). The high voltage power supply boosts the voltage such that an output voltage on the order of 150 kV is provided on output lines (20+, 20-). The output lines, typically long cables, are connected with a high voltage device such as an x-ray tube (C) to control the generation of a beam of x-rays (D). Due to high internal capacitance (22, 28) of the power supply, the cables, and the x-ray tube, the output lines continue to carry a potential (34) after the end t.sub.2 of the selected duration. At the end of the selected duration, a pulser (62, 80) applies an electrical energy pulse which causes a medium in a gap (56, 76) between electrodes (52, 54; 72, 74) to be ionized. Once the medium is ionized, the stored electrical energy arcs through the ionized medium and flows quickly to ground as indicated at (42).

Abstract: A number of power-line-operated high-frequency multi-output central power supplies are mounted at spaced-apart points on the permanent ceiling above a suspended ceiling. From each individual output of each such power supply, high frequency power is provided by way of flexible conductor means to a lighting fixture mounted nearby in the grid structure of the suspended ceiling below. Thus, high frequency power distribution is accomplished in a hub-and-spoke fashion by way of relatively short lengths of conductors--with each conductor carrying a relatively light current. Compared with the conventional bus-wire system of distributing high frequency power to a plurality of lighting fixtures, subject hub-and-spoke distribution system provides for substantially lower distribution losses and minimized radio frequency interference. Also, this hub-and-spoke system provides for more flexibility in terms of installing and positioning the fixtures in the suspended ceiling.

Abstract: A rapid start fluorescent fixture with two ballast means each having three pairs of associated lamp wires in which one pair of said associated wires of each ballast means is used to connect a heater winding to electrodes of a pair of lamps with which the ballast means is otherwise not associated.

Abstract: A four way rapid start fluorescent fixture with two ballast means each of which ballast means has three pairs of lamp wires emanating from one of its ends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic sign with a number of light bulbs provided in rows and columns (so called matrix), whereby said bulbs (L) are turned on row by row or column by column (so called multiplex operation). For increasing the life of the bulbs (L), said bulbs (L) are operated by alternating current at high frequency.

Abstract: An emergency power supply including an input for connection to a power line, an output for connecting the input to electrical equipment so as to supply power thereto from the power line, a supplemental power supply connected to the output and adapted to supply power to the electrical equipment upon a power abnormality in the power line, an electrical energy storage means connected to the supplemental power supply and adapted to supply electrical energy thereto; and a circuit for detecting the abnormalities in the power line.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment provides such a fluorescent tube ignitor having a plurality of auxiliary electrodes provided in the periphery of the tube wall of each fluorescent tube, while the potentials of these auxiliary electrodes are set at a specific level equal to or lower than those of the low-voltage-applied filament circuits of each fluorescent tube. Integration and simplification of the preheat circuit at one-end of respective fluorescent tubes securely realizes a still smaller size of the ignitor, cost reduction, suppression of noise interference, and easier and faster start of illumination.

Abstract: The arrangement of the invention enables control of a light emitting element comprising at least one discharge tube. Firing of the tube is effected by a generator which provides voltage pulses at predetermined periodic intervals (T.sub.r). The luminous intensity of the tube is controlled by a D.C. source which enables application of a discharge maintenance current to the tube, the duration of application (T.sub.c) of which depends on an instruction signal. A circuit is provided to assure synchronism between the application of the voltage pulse and the maintenance current. The arrangement may be applied in matrix displays.

Abstract: A lighting system for a suspended ceiling comprises a plurality of power conditioning units permanently wired-in with the 120 Volt/60 Hz power line and mounted in various suitable locations on the permanent ceiling above the suspended ceiling. Each such power conditioning unit provides a power-limited Class-3 high-frequency voltage at an output receptacle and is operable to power a special fluorescent lighting fixture by way of a light-weight flexible two-wire detachable connect cord. Special fluorescent lighting fixtures are mounted in the suspended ceiling, with each such lighting fixture being powered from a power conditioning unit mounted somewhere nearby on the permanent ceiling above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting unit having low and high light levels and employing an efficient arc lamp as the source of light during the high level setting. The unit employs a filamentary light source for the production of light during low light level operation, the filament acting as a resistive ballast for the arc lamp during high level operation. Practical embodiments operate in a conventional three-way light socket with the sequences being off, low, high and low, and off, low, high, and high.

Abstract: A disco light assembly is provided which includes a multiplicity of individual electric lamps formed in a circle, or in any other appropriate configuration, and which are illuminated in any desired sequence in response to a disco beat. The individual lamps are preferably of the high intensity type, and each generates a shaft of light, preferably white, when illuminated. A common regulated power supply is provided which supplies a continuous filament current to all the lamps which is of sufficient amplitude to maintain the filaments in a warm state but insufficient to illuminate the lamps. Each lamp has its own control module connected to the common power supply, and when a module is triggered, it causes a high current pulse to be introduced to the corresponding lamp for a few milliseconds, followed by a power current of sufficient intensity to illuminate the lamp. The power current continues for so long as the lamp is to be illuminated.

Abstract: A display system utilizing incandescent lamps arranged at the intersection points of a matrix array of row and column conductors includes a plurality of load resistors connecting the row conductors to a first voltage source and a plurality of load resistors connecting the column conductors to a second voltage source. To energize a selected lamp, the row conductor connected to that lamp is connected to the second voltage source and the column connected to that lamp is connected to the first voltage source.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for producing ornamental lighting displays utilizing electronic circuitry in the nature of a commutator which responds to binary signals produced from a plurality of orderly and/or random sources of energy and functions to illuminate one or more light sources depending on the binary combinations produced by the energy sources. The light sources may be light emitting diodes or other light sources depending on the power available and may be arranged in a variety of ornamental patterns.

Abstract: A light emitting diode display device is disclosed having a semiconductor substrate of a predetermined conductivity type, semiconductor films provided on the substrate and having a conductivity type opposite to that of the substrate, light emitting diode elements provided on the semiconductor films and each having a P-N junction, the above-mentioned semiconductor films functioning as first electrodes for the light emitting diode elements, second electrodes each provided on the upper surface of each light emitting diode element, and means for applying a reverse bias between the substrate and the first electrodes thereby to isolate the light emitting diode from one another.

Abstract: An electroluminescent glow sheet having multiple layers containing electrically activatable light emitting matter for emission of light from opposing surfaces, the different layers being adaptable to giving off light of different colors and being adaptable to use in contained condition or when withdrawn from the container.

Abstract: A disco light assembly is provided which includes a multiplicity of individual electric lamps formed in a circle, or in any other appropriate configuration, and which are illuminated in any desired sequence in response to a disco beat. The individual lamps are preferably of the high intensity type, and each generates a shaft of light, preferably white, when illuminated. A common regulated power supply is provided which supplies a continuous filament current to all the lamps which is of sufficient amplitude to maintain the filaments in a warm state but insufficient to illuminate the lamps. Each lamp has its own control module connected to the common power supply, and when a module is triggered, it causes a high current pulse to be introduced to the corresponding lamp for a few milliseconds, followed by a power current of sufficient intensity to illuminate the lamp. The power current continues for so long as the lamp is to be illuminated.