Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for flashing a flash lamp in a photoexposure device which exposes lines on a photosensitive surface by projecting onto the surface a repetitive series of light spots the locus of which is moved relative to the surface so that the individual light spots partially overlap one another as a chain to synthesize the desired line. During each flash cycle, started by a cycle initiate pulse from an associated control circuit, conduction through the lamp is initiated by a high voltage pulse produced by the discharge of a triggering capacitor, through a high voltage pulse generating circuit, and conduction is thereafter continued by the discharge of a firing capacitor which supplies power at a lower voltage to the lamp. To optimize the maximum rate at which the lamp may be flashed the circuit operates, during each flash cycle, to trigger discharge of the capacitors immediately, or almost immediately, upon their reaching their desired charge.

Abstract: A power supply and firing control circuit for a strobe lamp has a capacitor means for providing electrical power to the power electrodes of the strobe lamp for discharge through the strobe lamp. A transformer has a pair of secondary windings, one of which is connected to each of the power electrodes of the strobe lamp in series with the capacitor means. The firing pulses provided by the secondary windings of the transformer are of opposite electrical polarity. The absolute voltage differential between any portion of the circuit and ground potential will be minimized and energy losses thereby reduced. Additionally, the circuit provides substantial improvement in ionization effectiveness, thereby permitting the secondary turns of the transformer to be reduced in number and the transformer size and weight reduced correspondingly.

Abstract: In a driving circuit which is used together with a flash lamp supplied with an exciting voltage and which comprises a transformer responsive to a trigger pulse for developing a pulse voltage and an exciting member around the lamp for causing a discharge to occur in the lamp in response to the pulse voltage to energize a laser device placed adjacent the lamp, a control member disposed between the transformer and the exciting member allows the pulse voltage to be applied across the lamp and suppresses a parasitic voltage which is otherwise developed across the transformer as a result of the discharge. The control member may comprise an air gap that is preferably from one to several millimeters long.

Abstract: An electronic flashlight apparatus comprising a flash tube filled with a noble or inert gas of a pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure and having main electrodes and a trigger electrode arranged to receive a triggering pulse from a trigger circuit, a storage capacitor arranged to be charged by a charging circuit through at least one diode and connected across the main electrodes of the flash tube, and an auxiliary capacitor having small capcitance as compared to the storage capacitor, the auxiliary capacitor being also connected across the main electrodes of the flash tube, and being arranged to be charged through a second charging circuit to a voltage which is larger than the charging voltage of the storage capacitor.

Abstract: AC powered flash tube control circuitry includes an energy storage circuit and a firing circuit. The storage and firing circuits are triggered in each flash cycle in separate coordinated sequence in time synchronism with the frequency of the AC source to store energy in a first portion of each flash cycle and to trigger the tube into conduction in a second portion of the flash cycle during which energy from the storage circuit is discharged from the flash tube to produce an output flash of radiation.

Abstract: In an electrophotographic copier a fusing station is provided at which a toner image previously formed on a copy carrier is fixed on the carrier by fusing. The fusing station includes a flash tube which, when discharged, produces the heat required for the fusing operation. The electrical energy required by the flash tube is supplied from a flash capacitor. To avoid current spikes during charging of the flash capacitor the same receives its current from a drive system which includes a motor-driven generator in circuit with the flash tube; the inertia of the drive system acts as a buffer between the flash capacitor and the current supply source and prevents the occurrence of current peaks during the charging of the capacitor.

Abstract: A circuit for efficiently operating two arc discharge flashlamps. The lamps are series connected and directly coupled through series circuitry across an alternating current (AC) source. A storage capacitor is connected between the junction of the lamps and one terminal of the source. Trigger pulses are alternately applied to the lamps so that the storage capacitor is charged when one lamp flashes and discharged when the other lamp flashes. RC timing circuits energized by the AC source control the time of pulsed ignition of respective lamps with respect to the phase of the AC waveform of the source.

Abstract: A multiflash system including an arc discharge flashlamp having an elongated tubular envelope and containing three electrodes. A direct current voltage source comprising a large storage bank with positive and negative terminals is connected across two of the electrodes, and a storage capacitor is connected between the third electrode and the negative terminal of the source. The capacitor-connected electrode defines a first arc path with the electrode connected to the positive terminal of the source and a second arc path with the electrode connected to the negative terminal of the source. Trigger pulses are applied to the lamp so as to alternately energize the first and second arc paths, the storage capacitor being charged when the first arc path is energized to flash and discharged when the second arc path is energized to flash.

Abstract: An improved control circuit for an electric discharge lamp includes a temperature-dependent capacitor connected in series or in parallel with the discharge lamp. The capacitor preferably has a negative temperature characteristic and is responsive to the heat generated in the discharge lamp. During the start-up period, the lamp temperature is low and the capacitance is relatively high, whereas in the operating condition of the lamp its temperature increases and the capacitance of the capacitor drops to a relatively low value. In the series arrangement, the starting current of the lamp is thereby increased over the operating current to promote better ignition of the lamp. Similarly, in the parallel arrangement the high capacitance capacitor facilitates lamp ignition, whereas during normal lamp operation the low capacitance shunt branch effectively appears as an open circuit exerting minimal influence on the lamp operation.

Abstract: An igniter for the air/fuel mixture used in the cylinders of an internal combustion engine employs a conventional spark to initiate the discharge of a large amount of energy stored in a capacitor. A high current discharge of the energy in the capacitor switched on by a spark discharge produces a plasma and a magnetic field. The resultant combined electromagnetic current and magnetic field force accelerates the plasma deep into the combustion chamber thereby providing an improved ignition of the air/fuel mixture in the chamber.

Abstract: An ultraviolet lamp is disclosed wherein the light source is a rapid pulse unconfined xenon arc tube containing more than three atmospheres of xenon gas pressure, and providing an output limited to wavelengths greater than 320 nanometers. Associated circuitry for operating the tube and associated light transmitting means for utilizing the output of the tube are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flashtube has an hermetically sealed glass envelope containing an inert gas and a pair of electrodes between which an arc discharge path is defined during lamp operation, and an insulated external trigger wire at the outer surface of the envelope. The trigger circuit includes a safety feature in the form of a sealed spaced gap to prevent an arc from occurring in the flashtube in the event that the flashtube envelope is cracked or broken.

Abstract: The power supply for a traveling wave tube which has a cathode, a grid, a collector and a wave structure is connected between the cathode and a reference potential while first and second capacitors connected to the power supply and interconnected by a current blocking impedance deliver current respectively to the wave structure and the collector when the tube is conducting.

Abstract: A system for charging an energy storage capacitor for use with an electronic flash lamp or laser employs stepped sequential application of increasing charging voltages to the capacitor. In an inverter-type power supply, a transformer has a tapped primary and a single secondary, output of which is rectified and applied to the capacitor. A plurality of pairs of drive transistors are used to apply an alternating voltage to progressively decreasing portions of the transformer primary, in response to a feedback signal indicative of the voltage to which the capacitor has been charged. This feedback signal is utilized by a level detector and associated drive control logic to enable a different pair of drive transistors each time a preestablish charge voltage level has been reached. A driver inhibit circuit insures that, as each pair of drive transistors is alternating on and off, that one transistor is fully off before the other is turned on.

Abstract: A synthesizer using the additive method of color synthesis and having a plurality of different color filters to provide corresponding primary color radiations which are combined to produce a tone having a specified color content. The filters are illuminated by either one or a plurality of gas discharge lamps equal in number to the number of color filters, the frequency and duration of the flashes from the lamp incident on each filter being determined by a control circuit to produce a predetermined luminous intensity for each primary color. The circuit may be programmed by specifying numerical values for the required luminous intensity of each primary color and the circuit adapted to control the frequency and duration of the flashes in accordance with the specified numerical values.

Abstract: A relatively infinitely incremental mode of obtaining any desired brightness of flash from an electrically operable flash-tube is attained by employing plural capacitors, each having a charging source of selectable voltage level and a unilaterally conductive element between the capacitor and the flash-tube. The unilaterally conductive element is poled to pass the charge on the associated capacitor during the discharge cycle regardless of the voltage of the charge on other of the plural capacitors involved.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for igniting at least one gas discharge flash tube having two main electrodes includes a chargeable flash capacitor connected in parallel with the flash tube and an electronic switch. These elements are connected to a voltage generator which supplies ignition voltage pulses and the electronic switch constitutes a gas discharge path for the flash tube. The voltage generator has such a low impedance, in particular a low inductance, that the ignition voltage pulses supplied thereby at least approximately adiabatically heat the gas discharge paths.

Abstract: Shunt modulator for high current arc lamp using series-connected voltage source, first transistor switch, inductor, and lamp. Whenever second transistor modulating switch in shunt with lamp is turned off, voltage surge from inductor fires lamp and first switch is turned on. When inductor current exceeds threshold, first switch is turned off and flyback diode provides return path for inductor current.

Abstract: A strobe light circuit adapted for use with a battery including a transformer and oscillator connected to charge a storage capacitor disposed across a discharge tube. A fourth winding in the transformer provides the trigger signal to the tube. By this arrangement the trigger pulse becomes progressively higher with increasing charge on the storage capacitor utilizing to best advantage the parameter relationships of the tube.

Abstract: A variable frequency ac source drives a gas discharge lamp connected as a damping element in an otherwise high Q L-C circuit. Commutation of the ac source voltage is initiated as the instantaneous current drawn from the source equals a predetermined reference current level. Prior to lamp ignition the ac source drives the L-C circuit at resonance causing a voltage buildup which initiates an ignition. After ignition the source limits lamp current to provide a ballasting function.

Abstract: The disclosed spark source is adapted to generate electrical sparks to produce light for spectroscopic analysis of materials placed on the spark gap electrodes or introduced into the sparks. The disclosed spark source comprises a high voltage transformer having a secondary winding for supplying alternating current at a high voltage, a storage capacitor, a charging circuit including a rectifier connected between the secondary winding and the capacitor for charging the capacitor, spark gap electrodes having a spark gap therebetween, a discharge circuit including an electronic switching device connected between the capacitor and the spark gap electrodes for discharging the capacitor across the spark gap and control means for supplying a sequence of variably spaced triggering pulses to the input means of the electronic switching device for producing a sequence of spark cycles in which the capacitor is charged to substantially the same voltage for all of the spark cycles.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for igniting a gas discharge flush tube in which the flash tube is arranged in the circuit of a voltage source in parallel to a flash capacitor and the flash tube is connected to an ignition voltage generator which emits high voltage pulses during operation of the circuit arrangement. The ignition voltage generator has a low impedance, in particular low inductance, and the high voltage pulses produced thereby initiate ignition of and at least approximately adiabatically head a plasma channel in the flash tube. The ignition voltage generator is fundamentally capacitive. In one embodiment of the invention it comprises a second voltage source for charging a second capacitor connected in parallel with the flash tube, whereas in another embodiment the ignition voltage generator contains a piezoelectric crystal or a pyro electric crystal.

Abstract: An under-sea-water electric discharge generator includes a source of stored electrical energy connectable through solid state switch means to a cable extending to a number of pairs of electrodes to be towed under sea-water. The switch means comprises an inductor in series with five main branch circuits: a capacitor discharge branch includes a plurality of SCRs connected in series and a sub-branch of RC elements for gate control with one RC element across each but an end one of the SCRs; a reverse discharge branch includes a plurality of diode means, one across each SCR. Diodes across the gate-cathode circuit of each but said one SCR protect against reverse negative voltage during reverse discharge. Static, dynamic, and over voltage branches parallel the SCR branch with one element of each (resistor, RC element, thyrector) across each SCR.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition system for a jet engine which has a relatively high power factor at the transformer input without exceeding the one ampere current rating required in jet ignition systems at the desired power level. A specially designed power transformer (10 ) has a capacitor (3) connected across closely coupled primary and tertiary windings (11 and 12).

Abstract: An improved energy conversion apparatus for use in charging energy storage capacitors for energizing flash lamp devices. A transformer has a primary winding coupled to a low voltage DC source and transistor switches and a secondary winding coupled to a chargeable capacitor. The transistor switches are turned on or off in response to current signals in the primary and secondary windings. A detection circuit senses the energy stored in the capacitor and supplies signals to the transistor switches to maintain energy stored in the capacitor at a predetermined level.

Abstract: Device for triggering the discharge of flash tubes, comprising a priming transformer whose primary winding is connected up in series with a priming capacitor and whose secondary winding is connected up in series with at least a flash tube, an ignitron connected up in series with the tube and a transformer for controlling that ignitron, the primary winding of that transformer being connected up in series with a control capacitor.

Abstract: The visibility of warning lights employing flash tubes is enhanced by control circuitry which generates closely spaced trigger pulse pairs for energizing the tubes to thereby produce double flashes. Noticeability of the warning light may be enhanced by addition thereto of a noise maker which operates off the same power supply that provides a high voltage for operating the flash tube or tubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixed-light lamp. According to the invention the lamp is connected to a cascade circuit of two capacitors and two diodes. The increase in voltage obtained with that cascade circuit is fed to an auxiliary electrode of the discharge tube of the mixed light lamp.All electric circuit element of the device are located within the lamp. The lamp described is particularly suitable to be operated by an AC mains circuit of a relatively low voltage.

Abstract: Electrical circuitry for delivering to a flashtube a series of flash-producing electrical pulses, the circuitry comprising energy circuitry means for repeatedly storing electrical energy and discharging the energy in the form of such pulses through the flashtube, each pulse producing a flash, each flash being grouped in a flash cycle synchronized with a cycle of an AC voltage source, the energy circuitry means comprising first and second capacitors connected by a switching element responsive to the difference between a first voltage at the junction between the first capacitor and the switching element and a second voltage on the second capacitor, the energy circuitry means stepping up the voltage discharged across the flashtube by the second capacitor, and firing circuitry means for receiving during each flash cycle a portion of the energy discharged by the energy circuitry means, to initiate each flash, the firing circuitry means being timed to initiate the flash, thereby reducing the second voltage upon dis

Abstract: In a strobe lamp system, a circuit for monitoring the amount of energy supplied to a capacitor storage bank from a power supply senses the magnitude of the current flowing to the capacitor storage bank and produces an integral function indicating the charge stored on the capacitor bank. This integral function and the voltage across the capacitor bank are monitored by a comparator. When a selected amount of energy has been stored, a switching circuit is activated by the comparator to disconnect the capacitor storage bank from the power supply.

Abstract: An ornamental ring having a flashing capacity controlled by a minute electrical circuit incorporating one or more light-emitting diodes which are confined in the gem-display region of the ring, is disclosed. A time delay, capacitor-resistor arrangement governs the activation and deactivation of a pair of transistors whose function is to cause the light-emitting diodes to alternately flash or blink in substantially identical intervals.

Abstract: Surface properties of an article prepared from an organic polymer are improved by a method of irradiating the surface of the article in air with ultraviolet radiation in the range of about 830 to 1335 A. Apparatus for generating ultraviolet radiation includes a capacitor, an exciting electrode which coacts with at least one of two primary electrodes to produce an arc between the primary electrodes, switching and timing means for energizing the capacitor and means for limiting current between the exciting electrode and capacitor, and a source of ac voltage.

Abstract: A plurality of flash units mounted as warning, navigational or signal beacons are driven from a remote energy storage power converter with reduced number and or size of discharge current cables by common use of cables combined with sequential flashing such that the discharge current for only one flash lamp is carried by a cable at a given instant. By very close spacing, the sequential flashes may be made to appear simultaneous to the human eye.

Abstract: Device for producing electrical pulses, comprising a charge circuit for a capacitor and a discharge circuit, characterized in that it comprises circuitry for storing the charge power brought into play when the voltage at the terminals of the capacitor has reached a given value and circuitry for restoring that power to the capacitor after its discharge.

Abstract: A circuit for operating a high power ionizable discharge device such as a xenon flash tube or other gas filled lamp includes a trigger circuit for gating the device periodically to produce a discharge condition. A capacitive energy storage circuit discharges through the device when the device is placed in a discharge condition. A low resistance power supply circuit charges the energy storage circuit. First and second sensing circuits respectively detect the charge level of the energy storage circuit and detect discharge of the discharge device. A switching device comprising a zero crossing solid state relay controls the energization of the power supply circuit. A control circuit is operated by the first sensing circuit to operate the switching device so that the power supply circuit is deenergized when the energy storage circuit is charged to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A circuit for switching storage capacitors in a high voltage xenon flash tube circuit includes at least one storage capacitor with parallel low and high resistance paths in series with the capacitor, switching means selecting one of the two paths and a time delay device triggering discharge of the tube at a predetermined interval, the discharge time constant of said one capacitor being a substantial portion of the triggering interval. The time delay device enables operation of the switching means a substantial time after triggering discharge.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the flash duration in photographic cameras. A light-sensitive element within the apparatus responds to light originating from the source for flash bulbs and reflected by the object or scene to be photographed. The flash bulb is ignited by an ignition circuit which also generates the operating voltage for the light-sensitive device. Through the application of a discharge tube which has a considerably lower internal resistance, when ignited, than the flash bulb, the latter becomes extinguished when the .Iadd.quantity of .Iaddend.light reflected by the object or scene and impinging upon the light-sensitive device, is .[.of.]. a predetermined .[.magnitude.]. .Iadd.quantity..Iaddend.