Abstract: Various embodiments of direct current (D.C.) ballasting circuits for low wattage high pressure sodium (HPS) vapor lamps are disclosed. In one ballast embodiment a negative going high voltage pulse is applied directly to the H.P.S. lamp cathode during the starting operation and the ballast circuit preferentially diverts a major portion of the HPS lamp current around a high-voltage transformer during normal operation so as to reduce the resistive heating of the transformer. In a second ballast embodiment, capacitors are arranged into voltage multiplying circuit for generating the high D.C. starting voltage along with diodes that reduce the power dissipation of the ballast circuit.

Abstract: A luminous gas filled tube system has a direct current source, a pulse transformer secondary winding, the emitter-collector path of a transistor, and the gas filled tube connected in series. The voltage of the source is below the ionization potential of the gas in the tube but adequate to supply current when the gas is ionized. A pulse source is connected for selectively generating a high voltage pulse in the winding of magnitude such that, when added to the voltage from the source, the ionization potential of the gas is exceeded. A starter circuit is provided for selectively actuating the pulse source to initiate ionization of the gas in the tube. A variable resistor is provided for selecting the amount of current flowing in the series circuit at any level below a maximum rating of the transistor.

Abstract: A lighting unit having a filament serving as a supplementary light source, an improved gas discharge tube serving as a main light source having improved electrodes and an improved ballast circuit operating in cooperation with the improved electrodes is disclosed. Various embodiments of the improved electrodes and various embodiments of the improved ballast circuits are disclosed. The improved ballast circuit operating in cooperation with the improved electrodes provides for thermionic arc conditions in the operation of the gas discharge tube substantially immediately after the application of voltage applied to the unit.

Abstract: An improved general service incandescent lamp having an improved capacitive ballast circuit for operating a low voltage filament of the lamp is disclosed. Various embodiments of an improved capacitive ballast circuit that substantially eliminates unwanted stored energy and unwanted resistive dissipation are disclosed.

Abstract: Ballast circuits for a gas discharge tube are disclosed. One embodiment of a single-phase non-inductive ballast for operation of a gas discharge tube by direct current (D.C.) using a resistive current-limiting means and a relatively small capacitor is disclosed. The D.C. ballast circuit generates a timed pulse addition (TPA). The D.C. ballast circuit includes an arrangement of switching means which controls the discharge of a capacitive energy storage means so as to supply the reignition and the restrike energy in the form of timed pulse additions (TPA) that may be needed for the gas discharge tube. Other embodiments are disclosed for the ballast circuit which operate directly from the A.C. line and control the discharge of a capacitive storage means to supply reignition and restrike energy in the form of timed pulse additions (TPA) that may be needed for the gas discharge tube.

Abstract: A high efficiency pulsed ultraviolet light source is provided which comprises a flashlamp containing a noble gas, for example xenon, at low pressure, and having a pair of electrodes between which a discharge through the gas may be impressed, and an electrical pulse forming circuit connected to the flashlamp comprising a lamp resistance and high voltage source connected in series with the lamp, and a capacitor and switch connected in parallel to the lamp, the capacitor and resistance selected to minimize the total inductance of the circuit and to maximize the voltage stress on the gas contained within the lamp.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating samples comprising in a vacuum enclosure a cathode, an actual anode and a grid, as well as means for supplying the sample to the enclosure, a high voltage generator, a capacitor C.sub.1 charged by way of the said generator, a spark gap switch for producing a high energy pulse between the cathode and the grid, said switch being connected to one terminal of said capacitor, an element for producing pulses controlling the spark gap switch and a capacitor C.sub.2 having a capacitance above that of capacitor C.sub.1, charged by way of the generator used for producing between the actual anode and the cathode an electric field for accelerating and extracting electrons used for the bombardment of the sample.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a discharge lamp in which said lighting apparatus (4) is coupled in series with a discharge lamp (3), said lighting apparatus (4) is composed of a capacitor with a ferroelectric dielectric material having main component Barium-titanate (BaTiO.sub.3), said capacitor satisfying the impedance ratio of the first impedance (Z.sub.1) which is obtained by measuring current for alternate voltage of 5 volts, to the second impedance (Z.sub.2) which is obtained by measuring current for alternate voltage of 500 volt/mm, being less than 1/10 (Z.sub.2 /Z.sub.1 is less than 1/10), thus, the size of the lighting apparatus is small, and the power loss in the same is reduced.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge apparatus of the kind having a spark gap device for discharging a capacitor to provide a current impulse for conduction through a load. The capacitor and spark gap device both include flat terminals for connecting them directly to a foil strip transmission line. The capacitor is relatively thin and configured such that electrical current flows through it along a short, substantially uni-directional path. The current path of the apparatus is configured such that it retraces itself in a closely-spaced relationship, whereby the magnetic field created by current flowing through each segment of the path is substantially canceled by the magnetic field of the oppositely-directed current flowing through the corresponding, closely-spaced path segment. This substantially reduces the apparatus' inductance, such that it provides an increased peak electrical current and a faster current rise time.

Abstract: A gas discharge lamp ballast circuit operates at high frequency and is fed from a mains supply through a rectifier having a smoothing capacitor. The invention provides for the load to include an inductor and to return to the rectifier supply at a position isolated from the smoothing capacitor by one or more diodes, and for there to be a discharge path from the smoothing capacitor through the load to charge a control capacitor, and lower the load voltage to allow a rectifier current flow to the load. The smoothing capacitor is charged by current flowing from the inductor during a relaxation phase, to a voltage higher than the peaks of the rectifier. The smoothing capacitor voltage is maintained by proportioning the control capacitor size to cause rectifier current, and not smoothing capacitor discharge, to supply circuit and load losses.

Abstract: A series inverter, high voltage capacitor charging circuit includes current sensors for sensing the current through each SCR in the circuit. The sensed current is used to vary the gating frequency of the SCRs and to preclude firing of an SCR until the other is in a stable off condition. The gating of each SCR is delayed by an amount of time determined by a control capacitor charging circuit. That charging circuit is inhibited as long as one of the SCRs is conducting and once the load voltage has reached a predetermined level. The time constant of that charging circuit can be changed as the desired level is approached.

Abstract: An electronic ballast circuit for a lower pressure lamp wherein a voltage divider network coupled by a capacitor and directly coupled to an AC source is shunted by a series connected transistor switch and capacitor filter, and the switch is coupled by a diode to a lamp while a ballast resistor couples the filter capacitor to the lamp. A starter network device includes a glo-bottle starter which couples a transistor switch to the lamp with a resistor coupled to the glo-bottle starter and the transistor switch.

Abstract: A series inverter, high voltage capacitor charging circuit includes a current sensor for sensing the current through the load circuit. The sensed current is used to vary the gating frequency of SCRs and to preclude firing of an SCR pair until another SCR pair is in a stable off condition. The gating of each SCR pair is delayed by an amount of time determined by a control capacitor charging circuit. That charging circuit is inhibited as long as one of the SCRs is conducting and once the load voltage has reached a predetermined level. The time constant of that charging circuit is longer if insufficient reverse bias is applied to an SCR for quick turn-off of the SCR. The current sensing thresholds of common base transistors depend on whether forward or reflective current is being sensed. A series capacitor in the load circuit is discharged prior to a first cycle of current flow from the dc supply.

Abstract: A flash beacon is described which uses a strong bright initial flash to attract attention followed by a series of weaker flashes to enable a person to easily locate the beacon source. The weaker flashes may be broken into code groups for identification or other purposes. An electrical circuit utilizing three capacitor banks interacting with each other, is described for operating the flash sequences.

Abstract: A discharge lamp circuit in which the lamp is substantially instantaneously started and in which the power consumption of the lamp after starting is reduced with substantially no vibration due to piezoelectric effects and caused by currents flowing through a nonlinear dielectric element. An inductive stabilizer is connected in series with one of the filaments of the discharge lamp and a nonlinear circuit is connected in parallel with the filaments of the discharge lamp. The nonlinear circuit is composed of a nonlinear dielectric element and a bidirectional switching means connected in parallel with the nonlinear dielectric element. A reverse-conductive circuit is connected in series with the nonlinear circuit and in parallel with the filaments of the discharge lamp, the reverse-conductive circuit including a reverse-conductive semiconductor switch mean which is conduction-controlled in the forward direction but which is always conductive in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A flashlamp system is described which permits the use of flashlamp tubes of increased diameter for higher average power capability while retaining the desirable characteristics of a small diameter, wall stabilized tube which includes small image size, short pulse duration and high ionization level. A series of low level pre-pulses are applied to the flashlamp prior to a main pulse to form a low density region along the flashlamp discharge axis for the main pulse for generating radially directed acoustic waves, thereby to confine the main discharge to a small low density region near the tube center. When Xenon flashlamps are used, this results in a higher ionization level of the molecules along the axis of the flashlamp which increases the ratio of the short-lived XeII emission to long-lived continuum, thereby effectively reducing pulse duration.

Abstract: A starter for igniting a gas and/or vapor discharge tube (1) comprising two main electrodes 53, 54 and an auxiliary electrode 70. The discharge tube is connected to an inductive stabilization ballast 52. The starter applies an ignition voltage between the auxiliary electrode and a main electrode of the discharge tube. Tube ignition is promoted by connecting a capacitor 55 in series with a semiconductor switching element 58 across the starter input terminals A,B so that - in addition to the said ignition voltage - an increased voltage is generated between the two main electrodes of the discharge tube by cooperation of the inductive ballast and the capacitor.

Abstract: Supply device for a flash tube comprising a capacitor, a d.c. voltage source connected to the capacitor, an energy switch located between the capacitor and the flash tube, a circuit able to emit a control pulse for the said switch and a preionization circuit for the flash tube, wherein the preionization circuit comprises a second energy switch connected to the capacitor across a variable resistor, as well as to the flash tube, and a second circuit able to emit a control pulse for the second switch, said second pulse being in advance of the first pulse.Application to the optical pumping of lasers.

Abstract: The disclosed firing device comprises a fluorescent lamp serially connected to an inductive stabilizer, a first semiconductor switch including an SCR connected across the fluorescent lamp, and a nonlinear dielectric element serially connected to a parallel combination of a PNPN switch as a second semiconductor switch and a discharging circuit across the fluorescent lamp. The discharging circuit may comprise a resistor alone. The first semiconductor switch may include a semiconductor diode and a PNPN switch and the discharging circuit may include a resistor connected across series combination of a semiconductor diode. Alternatively, the discharging circuit may include a Zener diode and a resistor serially interconnected.

Abstract: A device for lighting a discharge lamp such as a xenon short-arc lamp is provided. The device includes a starter comprising a starter energizing capacitor connected to the boost voltage charging capacitor, a thyristor, a high voltage pulse transformer, a discharge gap, a starting capacitor, a diode and a Tesla coil. The starter is actuated with the energy charged in the boost voltage charging capacitor without any special power source therefor. The ignition voltage of the thyristor is higher than the output voltage of the power circuit of the ballast.

Abstract: A multiplex strobe light in which several ionized gas flash tubes are fed in parallel from a common power and trigger circuit. The common power circuit has a capacitor which is connected across a charging voltage and all of the flash tubes. The common trigger circuit has an SCR gated on by a zener when the charge on the capacitor reaches the desired voltage. Each flash tube has its own transformer with the secondary connected to its control electrode and the primary connected to a capacitor discharged through the SCR so the flash tubes are turned on simultaneously and share the power capacitor discharge.

Abstract: A flashlamp drive circuit 10 using an unsaturated transistor Q1 as a current mode switch to periodically subject a partially ionized gaseous laser excitation flashlamp 20 to a stable, rectangular pulse of current from an incomplete discharge of an energy storage capacitor C1. A monostable multivibrator MV1 sets the pulse interval, initiating the pulse in response to a flash command by providing a reference voltage to a non-inverting terminal of a base drive amplifier AV1; a tap on an emitter resistor R2 provides a feedback signal sensitive to the current amplitude to an inverting terminal of amplifier AV1, thereby controlling the pulse amplitude. The circuit drives flashlamp 20 to provide a square-wave current flashlamp discharge.

Abstract: An electric spark type light source for producing light for spectroscopic analysis, comprising an analytical spark gap, an energy storage capacitor, a charging and discharging circuit for alternately charging the capacitor and causing the capacitor to discharge across the spark gap to generate sparks which produce light for spectroscopic analysis, such circuit including at least one inductance coil for causing the discharge current through the spark gap to be oscillatory and pulsating in waveform, the circuit including rectifier means for causing the discharge current through the spark gap to have at least a unidirectional component, and time gate pulse generating means for deriving time gate pulses from the circuit in synchronized relation with the oscillatory pulsating spark gap current for use in selecting repetitive segments of the light from the sparks for spectroscopic analysis. The time gate pulses may be derived from the rectifier current, the capacitor discharge current or the spark gap current.

Abstract: A device for charging a charging capacity from an a.c. source via a transformer and rectifier by using at least one auxiliary capacitor for buffer-charging of the charging capacitor is disclosed. The charge of the capacitor is used for example for charging an accumulator and flashing a light source. Change of the capacity of the auxiliary capacitor makes it possible to regulate the charging characteristic of the charging capacitor in charging an accumulator and to regulate the flash character, i.e. intensity and flash frequency, in case of the charging capacitor being discharged through a flash bulb via a thyristor.

Abstract: A flash tube is provided for producing successive high intensity bursts of light, and a pulse producing device is provided for supplying a train of high voltage pulses for energizing repeatedly the flash tube. An impedance matching arrangement is provided and includes a first unidirectional device which couples the output of the alternator to the pulse producing device for energizing it periodically during half cycles of the alternating current output of the alternator. The arrangement also includes a second unidirectional device which the output of the alternator to an auxiliary lighting device to energize it during alternate half cycles of the alternator. As a result, the alternator supplies lower instantaneous current to both loads at a favorable operating characteristic of the source.

Abstract: Narrow pulse modulation (less than four nanoseconds) of millimeter wave ts will enable radar systems to achieve improved pattern recognition. The modulator has an outer cylindrical return shield surrounding a tetrode thyratron. An inner cylindrical shield connected to the anode provides capacitive energy storage for generating the output pulse when the control grid is triggered. The anode is connected via only a resistance to the direct current supply.

Abstract: A series inverter, high voltage capacitor charging circuit includes current sensors for sensing the current through each SCR in the circuit. The sensed current is used to vary the gating frequency of the SCRs and to preclude firing of an SCR until the other is in a stable off condition. The gating of each SCR is delayed by an amount of time determined by a control capacitor charging circuit. That charging circuit is inhibited as long as one of the SCRs is conducting and once the load voltage has reached a predetermined level. The time constant of that charging circuit can be changed as the desired level is approached.

Abstract: A light source wherein a spiral line pulse generator, having an output coupled to one electrode of a metal halide discharge lamp and an input for coupling to a source of lamp operating power, provides high voltage, short duration lamp starting pulses. The spiral line pulse generator includes two conductors and two insulators, each in the form of an elongated sheet, in an alternating arrangement which is rolled together in a spiral configuration having a plurality of turns. The high voltage, short duration pulse is provided upon closure of a low inductance switch coupled between the conductors. A thermal switch can be utilized to bypass the spiral line pulse generator after lamp starting. The spiral line pulse generator can be enclosed within the lamp base of the light source.

Abstract: A spark generator of the relaxation oscillator type operates on only one half of the cycle of the applied alternating current. By providing a gating circuit that triggers through a threshold switch means from a capacitor charge, it is possible to fire a silicon controlled rectifier on the same half cycle as the charging of an energy storage capacitor. The circuit can be operated by means of a diode and switch, or by an asymmetric current conducting element such as a silicon controlled rectifier.

Abstract: A precision regulated power supply for charging an energy storage capacitor wherein regulation is achieved using a triac to interrupt a connection between a primary winding of a transformer and a DC power source. The circuit is useful in a power supply for a photocopier flash lamp where precision regulation of light intensity is required. A control winding is wound on the transformer closely coupled to the power secondary winding. A triac is connected across the control winding such that the winding can be short circuited when it is desired to cease charging of the storage capacitor. Short-circuiting of the control winding collapses the voltage on the transformer secondary winding thereby inhibiting the flow of current in the secondary winding. Regulating circuitry senses the voltage on the capacitor and gates the control winding triac into conduction when that voltage reaches a desired magnitude.

Abstract: A power supply, including a static inverter, which is suited for the periodic energization of a flash tube. The static inverter may be turned off during periods when a capacitive load charged thereby is being discharged through the flash tube. The power supply has the capability of causing two successive ionizations of a flash tube within a short time period and may include both over-current and over-voltage protection in the form of sensing circuits which disable the static inverter.

Abstract: First and second rectifiers (37), (41) have inputs connected to an A.C. power source (12) through a unitary switch (33) and outputs connected to first and second smoothing filters (38), (42) respectively. An inductance (39) is connected between the switch (33) and the first rectifier (37) whereas a capacitance (43) is connected between the switch (33) and the second rectifier (41). The values of the inductance (39) and capacitance (43) are selected in such a manner that surge currents through the capacitance (43) and inductance (39) occuring when the switch (33) is closed are limited and the power factor of the power supply (31) is maximized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixed light lamp arrangement intended to be connected to an a.c. power supply. The lamp arrangement comprises a rectifier bridge having output terminals interconnected by the mixed light combination consisting of a series arrangement of an incandescent filament and a discharge tube. The series arrangement is shunted by a branch comprising a capacitor and an anti-parallel arrangement of a diode and a thyristor with the thyristor being rendered conductive just prior to the end of each half cycle of the a.c. power supply. This results in a mixed light lamp wherein the capacitance of the capacitor can have a relatively low value and the luminous efficacy can be relatively high.

Abstract: A power source circuit for a flash discharge lamp which includes a booster-rectifier, a thyristor connected to the booster-rectifier on the side of a power source, a discharge capacitor connected to the booster-rectifier on the side of a load, a detecting element for detecting a voltage across the discharge capacitor, a trigger circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit is adapted to supply, to the gate of the thyristor, an AC signal of substantially the same phase as the power source and to stop the AC signal supply when the voltage of the discharge capacitor reaches a predetermined value, thereby preventing the thyristor from noise generation which would otherwise cause a malfunction in a computer which processes facsimile or like picture signals.

Abstract: A spark source circuit has a discharge circuit including reactive means connected in circuit between a capacitor and an analytical spark gap and switching means for effectively removing the capacitor from the discharge circuit after an initial flow of current through the spark gap so that the current flow through the spark gap is essentially unidirectional. At the start of the capacitor discharge, the discharge circuit is essentially of the classical RLC oscillatory discharge type; and the switching action converts the discharge circuit to essentially a classical RL discharge type circuit for the remainder of the spark discharge. The circuit is simple and efficient, permits use of ceramic capacitors, and may be housed in a sealed enclosure.

Abstract: A glow plug driver adapted to be coupled to a power supply and a glow plug comprising first and second conductive leads for coupling the glow plug to the power supply and an electronic switch in the first lead having conductive and nonconductive states so that pulses of electrical energy can be supplied to the glow plug. A resistor and a capacitor are coupled between the leads in parallel with the glow plug so that the capacitor can charge when the electronic switch is in the conductive state and discharge when the electronic switch is in the nonconductive state. A timer is used to place the electronic switch in the conductive state for a predetermined amount of time. The timer is in turn controlled by a transistor having its base coupled to a junction between the resistor and the capacitor.

Abstract: An automatic exposure control system for a full-frame copier controls the illumination of a flash lamp in response to the reflectivity of a document to be reproduced. A photodetector senses exposure at the wall of a light housing and after sufficient exposure is reached, the light source is turned off (quenched). A compensation circuit anticipates the total energy emitted after quench (representing an over exposure potential) and terminates the light source energizing pulse so as to produce only desired exposure without over-exposure error.

Abstract: An expolsion chamber including a principle which allows a method of exploding various fuel vapors other than gasoline. High electrical energy input to the system is maximized as less combustible vapors are exploded.The two unique features of the system are: 1. The timing is automatically set by standard ignition control which triggers the high energy exploding sequence. 2. Both the ignition injection and the high energy discharge are fed into the exploding chamber with the same electrode. This is possible through the utilization of a high voltage, high current diode stack. The stack is constructed, for example, of 288 diodes. The total peak inverse voltage (PIV) is about 24 kilovolts for ignition preservation and the current discharge surge is about 600 amperes. In the multiple chamber engine, one diode stack is required for each chamber. In the four chamber engine about 1,152 diodes are utilized. High power rheostats are placed in series with the stacks to control the dwell time of the electrical discharge.

Abstract: An indicator structure including one or more lengths of perforated tubing arranged in a desired configuration, such as a traffic barricade. The tubing contains one or more flash lamps which produce a light-tunnel effect during operation to provide a high intensity warning or indicating signal in a pre-selected configuration of flash illumination via the tubing perforations.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for triggering a flash lamp without the use of a conventional high voltage trigger pulse. In accordance with the invention, gas molecules in the flash lamp are ionized by the application of radiant energy to lower the impedance of the flash lamp. An energy discharge device (e.g., a capacitor) is thus able to discharge abruptly through the flash lamp causing the lamp to flash.

Abstract: The life expectancy of the energy storing capacitors in a flash lamp drive circuit is extended by charging them in response to a trigger signal which also initiates the ionization pulse to the lamp after a delay time so that a desired threshold of energy stored in the capacitors is directed to the lamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for energizing flash-tubes of beacons by means of the capacitive energy extracted from an insulated section of the overhead wire of power transmission lines. The supply system comprises a circuit for transforming the AC capacitive energy from the overhead wire into DC voltage, the latter feeding at least one flash-tube and a regulation circuit shunted across the transforming circuit for controlling a DC voltage threshold value supplying the tubes. Such regulation is achieved by detecting the predetermined DC voltage threshold value across the lamp terminals and by switching to the earth any capacitive energy extracted from the overhead wire exceeding that threshold value. Moreover, a circuit delivers a pulse at predetermined time intervals to control the firing of each flash-tube when the latter is subjected to a DC voltage corresponding to the predetermined threshold value and regulated by shunt switching.

Abstract: Apparatus and method using a unique pulse circuit for a known gas discharge laser apparatus to provide an electric field for preconditioning the gas below gas breakdown and thereafter to place a maximum voltage across the gas which maximum voltage is higher than that previously available before the breakdown voltage of that gas laser medium thereby providing greatly increased pumping of the laser.

Abstract: A control system which is organized such that a power distribution line only is required for connecting the control unit and the flash lamps and such that the sequencing control, the energy level control of the light bursts and the positive monitoring of the lamp operation are centralized in the control unit. The usual high voltage storage capacitors and the related charge and protection circuitries are consequently needless in the triggering circuit associated with each flash lamp. The lamps are triggered by a burst of pulsed voltage waveforms which are applied on the power distribution line in synchronism with positive half cycles of the supply voltage at the control unit, each pulsed waveform being associated to the control of a respective flash lamp.

Abstract: A solid state ignition system for generating high frequency and high energy electrical pulses, the system providing improved performance under varying line voltage conditions, improved voltage regulation, and reduced power dissipation, and being effective to produce an improved ionization arc between electrodes effective to initiate fuel oil combustion.

Abstract: A laser head uses nitrogen gas to provide output in the far ultraviolet region of radiation. The laser is supplied from an energization system including low voltage and high voltage sections. The low voltage section is supplied from a low d-c voltage, stepped up over a transformer and applied as pulses to a high voltage section, including a voltage doubler circuit. The doubler circuit includes two diode assemblies, and this circuit provides the high voltage pulses for energizing the laser head when a spark gap breaks down. The opposed electrodes of the laser head each have a serrated edge, and the serrated edges face each other to effect a pre-ionization of the gap between the electrodes. A capacitor, coupled across the laser head electrodes, has a particular construction to withstand the repeated, very rapid discharges occasioned for firing the laser, and this capacitor contributes to a laser construction which is truly portable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for causing a strobe-type lamp, i.e. gas discharge lamp, to produce readily discernible warning flashes. In a first embodiment, the light output of a strobe-lamp is partially absorbed by a fluorescent material and released shortly after absorption to produce a visible flash of lesser intensity but greater duration than that actually produced by the lamp. In a second embodiment, the strobe lamp is caused to flash a multiplicity of times at a rate sufficient to give the visible impression of a single continuous flash of long duration. A circuit for energizing the strobe lamp consumes power only while the strobe lamp is flashing, and remains deactuated when the lamp is not energized.

Abstract: A power circuit for a discharge lamp, in particular a flash lamp serving as light source in an optical analysis apparatus which comprises an electric power source outputting a d.c. voltage and capable of reabsorbing electrical energy, which also comprises an energy transferring circuit inserted between the electric power source and a first capacitor connected to the lamp, the capacitor being charged via the energy transferring circuit and adapted to store the energy required for each discharge across the lamp, the energy transferring circuit comprising a first current path comprising the primary winding of an autotransformer and adapted to transfer current from the electric power source to the first capacitor until the voltage across it reaches a predetermined value, and a second current path comprising a second capacitor for storing part of the surplus or non-used energy stored in the autotransformer during the charging of the first capacitor.

Abstract: An electrical power supply for an X-ray tube has a source capable of providing constant current at a desired potential to a capacitor means which supplies pulses of current in excess of the source current to the X-ray tube. As each pulse is supplied, the potential at the output of the supply tends to drop. One side of the capacitor means is connected to the output. A compensator is connected to the other side of the capacitor means and responds to a drop in the output potential to apply to the other side of the capacitor means a voltage which maintains the output voltage constant.

Abstract: A DC circuit for efficiently operating two arc discharge flashlamps. The lamps are parallel connected across a single supply storage capacitor, and a single trigger capacitor is employed in connection and the two alternately activated trigger sources for the two lamps.