Abstract: A light driver circuit device for synchronously driving a plurality of cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) is provided. The light driver circuit device includes an inverter circuit board and a balance circuit board. The inverter circuit board has an inverter circuit coupled to a driving signal for outputting a driving voltage to drive the CCFLs synchronously. The balance circuit board and the inverter circuit board are installed separately, and the balance circuit board has a balance circuit coupled to a terminal of each CCFL and the inverter circuit. The CCFL driving architecture is designed to install the inverter circuit and the balance circuit individually, thus effectively reducing the space of the driving circuit and the total cost of the circuit design. Furthermore, the balance circuit board can balance the current in each CCFL effectively, and there is no limitation to where the balance circuit board can be disposed.

Abstract: The invention is disclosed a lighting device using an alternating current to drive light emitting diodes (LEDs). The lighting device uses at least two parallel-connected LED modules. In front of each LED module has connected to a current balancing unit in series that has same capacitance or inductance. The LED module comprises a first polarity LED bar and a second polarity LED bar connected in parallel. The LED module receives an alternating current voltage from the current balancing unit, which alternatively drive the first polarity LED bar and the second polarity LED bar. The light device uses different impedances of the current balancing unit and the LED to provide smooth and uniform current to the LED module and achieves a stable luminance.

Abstract: Provided is an LED illumination driving apparatus. When dimming is performed in the LED illumination apparatus, the power voltage level supplied to an LED module is selectively adjusted according to illuminance to prevent the flicker phenomenon occurring due to an excessive decrease in a duty ratio of a PWM control signal at a dimming time in the related art. More specifically, if the set illuminance is decreased by a user, the duty ratio of the PWM control signal is decreased, so that the illuminance of the LED illumination is decreased. When the duty ratio of the PWM control signal is decreased, if the user decreases the illuminance below a predetermined level corresponding to a threshold duty ratio where the flicker phenomenon occurs, the power voltage level transmitted to the LED module is decreased. The duty ratio is allowed to be increased again by the duty ratio corresponding to the decrease in the power voltage level, and after that, the duty ratio is allowed to be decreased again.

Abstract: A lighting control system includes a plurality of luminaires each having a selectively powerable first light source and a selectively powerable second light source. The luminaires are powerable and controllable by a common AC power source. A signal receiving controller of each of the luminaires is electrically connected to the first light source and the second light source and selectively causes power to be routed to either the first light source or the second light source dependent on a control signal sent via the AC power source.

Abstract: A driving circuit of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a lighting apparatus using the same are provided in the application. The driving circuit includes a rectifier unit, an isolation element, a processing unit and a voltage converter circuit. The rectifier unit is coupled to a triac dimmer and outputs a first operation voltage. The processing unit detects a conducting condition of the triac dimmer according to a voltage waveform of the first operation voltage and outputs a pulse width modulation signal to drive the LEDs according to the detected conduction condition, so that flash problems of the LEDs caused by operation voltage variation are prevented.

Abstract: A lamp driver circuit to selectively energize one or more lamps is provided. The inverter circuit has a transformer with primary and secondary windings to provide voltage to the lamps. A filter is connected to the primary winding to receive a primary winding signal representative of the voltage across the primary winding. The primary winding signal has a frequency spectrum and the filter detects a particular characteristic of the frequency spectrum that is indicative of an end of life (EOL) condition of the one or more lamps. A control circuit is connected to the inverter circuit and to the filter. The control circuit is configured to discontinue energizing of the one or more lamps by the inverter circuit when the particular characteristic of the frequency spectrum of the primary winding signal is detected by the filter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a light emitting device driver circuit and a method for driving a light emitting device. In the present invention, the secondary windings of a transformer provide positive and negative secondary voltages, so as to generate positive and negative output voltages. A light emitting device circuit is coupled between the positive and negative output voltages. As such, the specification to withstand high voltage for a device in the circuit is reduced.

Abstract: A multi-lamp driving system includes a power supply and at least one balance transformer. Each balance transformer includes two cores, two primary windings, two secondary windings and two protection windings. Each primary winding is wrapped around a core and serially connected to a lamp to form a first circuit branch in parallel connection with each other. The first circuit branches are powered by the power supply. The Each secondary winding is wrapped around a core and connected to a primary winding. The two secondary windings are connected in series to form a short circuit loop. Each of the protection windings is wrapped around a core and connected to a primary winding. The protection windings are wrapped in opposite directions and connected in series to form a second circuit branch. The second circuit branch outputs voltage signals to the power supply when induced voltages crossing the protection windings are unequal.

Abstract: A display device and an inverter therefor are disclosed. The inverter has a main circuit board having a plurality of first circuit patterns and a plurality of second circuit patterns formed on a first side thereof, and a sub circuit board having first connecting patterns corresponding to the plurality of first circuit patterns formed on one side of the sub circuit board and second connecting patterns corresponding to the plurality of second circuit patterns formed on a second side thereof. The plurality of first circuit patterns are coupled with each other through the first connecting patterns, and the plurality of second circuit patterns are coupled with each other through the second connecting patterns. Thus, the present invention provides an inverter and a display device having the same, which are capable of being manufactured at a low production cost.

Abstract: A light source driving device includes a power factor correction (PFC) circuit, a power stage circuit, a power conversion circuit, a balancing circuit, an inverter control signal processor, an inverter controller and an isolation component. Alternating current (AC) signals are converted into electrical signals to drive lamps via the PFC circuit, the power stage circuit, the power conversion circuit and the current balancing circuit. The power conversion circuit including a transformer divides the driving device into a primary side and a secondary side. The inverter control signal processor receives a first control signal output from a secondary side and generates a second control signal. The inverter controller is disposed on the secondary side to drive the power stage circuit. The isolation component transmits the second control signal to the inverter controller and isolates the inverter control signal processor from the inverter controller.

Abstract: A lighting device may include a transformer; a rail device, configured to be attached to a surface of an object, wherein the rail device has two rails, which are arranged so as to be spaced apart from one another, to which rail device a lamp can be attached and on which the lamp can be supplied with power, the rails being electrically connected to the transformer, at least one first lamp being arranged on the rails and being configured to be supplied with power in the low-voltage range via the transformer and the rails; and at least one second lamp being arranged on a housing of the transformer and being connected to the system voltage.

Abstract: A transformer wiring method and apparatus for fluorescent lighting are described. The fluorescent lighting apparatus includes a transformer and a ballast. An installer is easily able to balance the system load because each fluorescent lighting apparatus includes its own transformer and may be connected directly to a facility's three phase power distribution while still operating at rated voltages. Moreover, the ballast is protected from surges and stray voltages thereby reducing the frequency of ballast failures.

Abstract: A switching power converter with a controlled startup mechanism includes a switching stage which provides a voltage Vout at an output node in response to a switching control signal, with the output node adapted for connection to a non-linear load. A feedback network compares a signal which varies with the current conducted by the load (Iload) with a reference signal, and provides the switching control signal so as to maintain Iload at a desired value. A capacitor connected to the output node provides a current Ic to the feedback network which varies with dVout/dt. The feedback network is arranged to limit dVout/dt in response to current Ic when Iload is substantially zero. In this way, large inrush currents or damage that might otherwise occur during startup are avoided.

Abstract: A backlight unit, with a parallel configuration of plural lamps, having improved reliability is disclosed. The backlight unit driver includes: first and second lamps connected parallel to each other; a DC/AC inversion portion inverting a DC voltage into an AC voltage to apply the AC voltage to the lamps; a transformer transforming the AC voltage from the DC/AC inversion portion; a positive polarity AC signal compensator compensating an electric current difference between the first and second lamps using positive polarity AC signals from the first and second lamps; and a negative polarity AC signal compensator compensating the electric current difference between the first and second lamps using negative polarity AC signals from the first and second lamps.

Abstract: A searchlight (3) on board a vessel (1) arranged for illuminating a point (2p) and maintain said point (2p) illuminated regardless of the movements of said vessel (1).

Abstract: Embodiment relate to a lamp driving device and a liquid crystal display device having the same. The embodiments include a plurality of lamps having first and second electrodes, an inverter substrate supplying a high voltage alternating current to at least one of the first and second electrodes of the lamps, a plurality of capacitors connected to the first and second electrodes of the lamps, and a board capacitor connected to at least one of the capacitors.

Abstract: A starting circuit of a starting device for a high-pressure discharge lamp including an auxiliary light source has a diode placed in a forward direction in one of a pair of output lines which connect a main lighting circuit for generating AC voltage to the high-pressure discharge lamp and the auxiliary light source; a capacitor having one end connected to a cathode side of the diode; a boosting transformer including a primary winding, and a secondary winding having one end connected to an anode side of the diode or to the other output line and also having the other end connected to the other end of the capacitor; a high-frequency voltage generation circuit for continuously generating high-frequency voltage in combination with the primary winding; and a short-circuit switch for maintaining a short-circuit condition at both ends of the diode after the high-pressure discharge lamp is started.

Abstract: A driving circuit of multi-lamps including a power supply module, a transformer module, a first detection module, and a control module is provided. Whether the power supply module is turned off is controlled by a control signal. The transformer module respectively provides a driving signal and an inverted driving signal to a first terminal and a second terminal of each lamp according to the AC signal. The first detection module detects a first indication signal combined by signals of the first terminal of one lamp and the second terminal of another lamp. The control module generates the control signal according to the first indication signal. Therefore, whether the lamps have a problem of a short circuit or an open circuit, or are in abnormal states can be known from the variations of the first indication signal, and a protection function for the driving circuit can be activated.

Abstract: The invention provides a current balancing circuit for powering a first load with a negative dynamic resistance and a second load with an essentially different negative dynamic resistance, and a transformer with such turns ratio that at least at an operating frequency impedances of the first and second windings complement the resistances of the first and the second loads, respectively, to a common value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protection means for a driving circuit which drives a set of external electrode fluorescent lamps (EEFL). The driving circuit with protection function for driving a set of EEFLs consistent with the present invention includes: a transformer connected to the set of EEFLs; a switching network connected to the transformer which delivers power to the transformer; a sensing circuit connected to the set of EEFLs which detects disconnection if one light source is disconnected; and a controller connected to the switching network which controls the switching network to reduce the total current supplied to the EEFLs which remain connected, if the sensing circuit detects that one EEFL is disconnected. Appropriate protection can therefore be implemented when the EEFL is disconnected on one end or both ends.

Abstract: A driver circuit produces variable current output for an LED lighting system providing improved dimming capability and greater power efficiency when responding to industry standard lighting dimmers, through the use of an input voltage monitoring circuit which variably controls the current output of a switching regulator. Output current modulation methods such as analog, PWM, Pulse Frequency Modulation, or other digital modulation, and combination or hybrid methods such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,088,059 B2 may be employed. The current invention marries such output modulation techniques with a control method which is derived through intelligent monitoring of the input voltage waveform. The circuit and method described is adapted to higher current applications such as LED lighting systems using the latest high-power LEDs.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling a switching element in a switching power supply by generating a switching signal is disclosed. The control circuit may include a soft start circuit that generates a switching signal so that an output voltage of the switching power supply gradually increases for a period until the output voltage reaches a predetermined reference voltage. The soft start circuit may increase the output voltage at a first limiting speed when the output voltage is lower than a predetermined threshold voltage, and may increase the output voltage at a second limiting speed which is set higher than the first limiting speed when the output voltage is higher than the threshold voltage.

Abstract: An application for nightly outdoor lamps, road lamps, advertising lamps and nightly warning lights using daytime and nighttime as the period, wherein during daytime, it is at a preparation status of no power output to drive the lamps, and the AC to DC power is charged to the charge/discharge device, while during nighttime, the lamps are commonly driven by the parallel output of an AC to DC power and the discharged power from the charge/discharge device.

Abstract: A synchronous operating system for operating a plurality of discharge tube lighting apparatuses at the same frequency and same phase includes (1) a resonant circuit including a capacitor C3 connected to at least one of primary and secondary windings, an output thereof being connected to a discharge tube, (2) switching elements Qp1 and Qn1 connected to both ends of a DC power source, (3) an oscillator to generate a triangular wave signal whose inclination for charging a capacitor C2 and inclination for discharging the same are the same, (4) a signal generation part to generate, in a period shorter than a half period of the triangular wave signal, a first drive signal having a pulse width corresponding to a current passing through the discharge tube, and (5) a signal generation part to generate a second drive signal having a pulse width substantially equal to that of the first drive signal and a phase difference of about 180 degrees with respect to the first drive signal.

Abstract: The present invention uses capacitive, inductive, or resistive impedance to constitute the first impedance, and the capacitive and inductive impedances in parallel connection which will not produce parallel resonance to constituted the second impedance, and is characterized in that the first and second impedance in series connection is configured for inputting pulsed power, thereby to form a bi-directional power in decaying wave shape at the two ends of the second impedance to drive the bi-directional conducting light emitting diode.

Abstract: A ring balancer comprising a plurality of balancing transformers facilitates current sharing in a multi-lamp backlight system. The balancing transformers have respective primary windings separately coupled in series with designated lamps and have respective secondary windings coupled together in a closed loop. The secondary windings conduct a common current and the respective primary windings conduct proportional currents to balance currents among the lamps. The ring balancer facilitates automatic lamp striking and the lamps can be advantageously driven by a common voltage source.

Abstract: A lighting circuit includes a capacitor and inductor for a resonance, and a first output, a second output, a resistor and a monitor circuit. A DC-AC converting circuit generates an AC voltage from a DC voltage. The resistor has an end connected to the second output and the other end connected to an end of a secondary winding. A monitoring output is connected to the other end of the resistor, and is provided for providing a signal for monitoring a current flowing to a discharge lamp. The end of the resistor is connected to a grounding conductor GND. The monitor circuit receives a signal from the monitoring output. The monitor circuit generates a signal for monitoring a current IL flowing to the discharge lamp.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a protection architecture for a multi-lamp system, which applies to a multi-lamp driving system for driving a plurality of lamp loops. The present invention is characterized in that two opposite-phase loads of a loop are separately defined to be a first load and a second load, and that a voltage-division/detection loop is formed via cascading a first voltage-division element to a second voltage-division element and is coupled to between the first load and the second load to detect an abnormal current, wherein the second voltage-division element is coupled to a ground terminal, and wherein a signal-acquiring terminal is coupled to between the first voltage-division element and the second voltage-division element and acquires an abnormal voltage signal for a protection unit from the abnormal current, and wherein the protection unit detects the abnormal voltage signal and shuts off the driving system.

Abstract: An improved LCD back light panel lamp connecting structure. A high voltage end and a feedback end of the adjacent cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) modules alternate, and the feedback end of the CCFL is coupled to a single return board. The return board is coupled to a pulse width modulation (PWM) control unit so that the return board feeds back the current to the PWM control unit. The high voltage end of the CCFL is coupled to a transformer.

Abstract: A circuit board on which the electronic components providing power to a series of light sources is positioned as near as possible to light sources in order to minimize parasitic energy losses which would be introduced by lengths of wiring. The light sources are usually elongate tubular Cold Cathode Fluorescent Tubes arranged parallel to one another in a single plane and the circuit board may be mounted directly over the light sources, towards one end of the tubes. Standard PCB board-to-board connectors may be provided at an edge of the circuit board and a further circuit board provided with a series of conductive tracks may provide both a mechanical and electrical connection between the circuit board and the light sources. A power distribution method is also disclosed in which both current and temperature of the light sources are monitored and regulated in order to extend the lifetime of the light sources and to stabilize their brightness.

Abstract: A light source driving device for driving a light source module (22), includes a power stage circuit (20), a transformer and resonance circuit (21), a current balancing circuit (23), a feedback control circuit (25) and an fault detecting circuit (24). The power stage circuit converts received signals to alternating current (AC) signals. The transformer and resonance circuit converts the AC signals to electrical signals. The current balancing circuit balances current flowing through the light source module. The fault detecting circuit comprises a plurality of inputs (a1), (a2n (n=1, 2, 3, . . . , n)) and an output (b1). One of inputs is connected to one input of the current balancing circuit, other inputs are connected to outputs of the current balancing circuit, and the output outputs a fault signal. The feedback control circuit is used for controlling output of the power stage circuit.

Abstract: An improved LCD back light panel lamp connecting structure comprises cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL), and adjacent CCFL modules having high voltage ends and feedback ends arranged alternately, and the feedback ends on both sides of the CCFLs respectively coupled to two return boards. The feedback end of the CCFL is coupled to a proximate return board, and the return board is disposed separately at both ends of the CCFLs. Two return boards are coupled to a pulse width modulation (PWM) control unit so that the two return boards feed back the current to the PWM control unit. The high voltage end of the CCFL is coupled to a transformer.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for a first and a second lamps and the transformer thereof is provided. The power supply circuit comprises a driving circuit and a transformer. The transformer includes a magnetic core, a primary coil set, a secondary coil, a first coil and a second coil. The driving circuit provides an alternative voltage. The primary coil set is wound on the magnetic core, along with the secondary coil, the first and the second coils, and receives the alternative voltage. The turns of the first coil and the second coil are substantially the same. The first lamp is coupled between the first coil and the secondary coil, and the second lamp is coupled between the second coil and the secondary coil.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for a first and a second lamps and the transformer thereof is provided. The power supply circuit comprises a driving circuit and a transformer. The transformer includes a magnetic core, a primary coil set, a secondary coil, a first coil and a second coil. The driving circuit provides an alternative voltage. The primary coil set is wound on the magnetic core, along with the secondary coil, the first and the second coils, and receives the alternative voltage. The turns of the first coil and the second coil are substantially the same. The first lamp is coupled between the first coil and the secondary coil, and the second lamp is coupled between the second coil and the secondary coil.

Abstract: A lamp driving apparatus of a liquid crystal display device includes m lamp groups in which a plurality of lamps generating light are disposed; n (n<m) inverter parts to generate an AC voltage for driving the lamps; an inverter controller to control the inverter parts; and a multiplexer to selectively supply the AC voltage generated at the n inverter parts to the n lamp groups among the m lamp groups. In each frame, a clock signal is divided into n divided signals. Different sets of lamp groups are driven during each of the divided signals.

Abstract: In trigger/firing arrangement in a Marx generator comprising n stage capacitors—n being a natural number greater than 1-, the same amount of spark gaps and 2(n?1) charging branches, with the spark gaps operating in a self-breakdown mode, the trigger-/firing arrangement comprises at least a pulse transformer connected to an pulse generator in at least one of the charging branches of the Marx-generator, which with the associated stage capacitor bridges a spark gap—except for the output end spark gap—a pulse transformer is disposed, whose output winding operates during charging as a charging winding and whose input winding is connected to the pulse generator in such a way that the voltage pulse generated with this pulse transformer during triggering of the pulse generator is added to the charge voltage of the associated stage capacitor and, with a corresponding polarity, generates an over-voltage sufficient for initiating self-breakdown at this spark gap.

Abstract: A multi-lamp backlight system. The system includes a core, a first coil set wrapped around the core, to which a first AC voltage is applied, a second and third coil sets wrapped around the core and respectively disposed on two sides of the first coil set, on which a second and third AC voltage are induced by the first voltage signal applied to the first coil set respectively, wherein the numbers of coils of the second and third coil sets are substantially the same, and first and second lamps are supplied with power by the second and third AC voltages respectively.

Abstract: A driving circuit for a piezoelectric transformer is provided, which is capable of driving a piezoelectric transformer at a high efficiency and with low distortion, and being miniaturized. At the commencement of lighting a cold-cathode fluorescent tube, a digital controller fixes frequencies of first and second control signals VC1 and VC2 at a predetermined frequency and controls the phase difference therebetween so that an output power of the piezoelectric transformer becomes from substantially zero to a predetermined output power. After lighting of the cold-cathode fluorescent tube, the digital controller controls the phase difference between the first and second control signals VC1 and VC2 so that current detecting data CD substantially is matched with reference data RD.

Abstract: A low voltage lamp is disclosed and claimed. The low voltage lamp includes a low voltage lamp switch having a first pole permanently connected to a remote source of electric power; a second pole permanently connected to a light; and a movable switch element permanently connected to the first pole and selectively movable into and out of electrical connection with the second pole. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the movable switch element includes a flexible cable having a first end connected to the first pole, and an electrically conductive ball mounted to the cable free end. The second pole here comprises a cup adapted to receive and electrically connect to a ball, and the second pole cup is electrically connected to a light.

Abstract: The objectives of the present invention are to provide a smaller, lighter and less expensive structure in a starting device for discharge lamp for car use so as to prevent breakage due to vibrations etc.. The starting device for discharge lamp comprising; a socket for mounting the discharge lamp, a bobbin and a starting transformer having a core-less structure equipped with a primary and a secondary coils wound around the bobbin; wherein the starting transformer is formed as in a ring or a horseshoe. A bobbin with a straight bar shape which enables the starting transformer to be arranged laterally is other alternative.

Abstract: A combination electronic ballast designed to operate a metal halide lamp and a high-pressure sodium gas discharge lamp is disclosed. The ballast includes a primary and secondary coil coupled to a magnetic core. The primary is adapted to be connected to an ac power source and the secondary is adapted to be connected to a metal halide lamp and a high-pressure sodium lamp. The primary and secondary coils are connected together using a capacitance circuit including two capacitors and a switch. The capacitance circuit is designed to connect both of the capacitors between the primary and secondary coil when a high pressure sodium lamp is connected to the ballast and to connect only one of the capacitors in parallel when a metal halide lamp is connected to the ballast. In an alternative embodiment, the primary is adapted to be connected to one of four different ac power sources.

Abstract: An "exit" sign lighting system comprising, in combination a housing having the word EXIT formed in an opening wall thereof, a translucent member in said opening, a gas discharge device, such as a fluorescent tube is driven from a source of a low-voltage, high-frequency square wave voltage having a pair of output terminals and an LC free circuit connecting the low-voltage, high-frequency square wave voltage to the gas discharge device to non-thermionically excite and illuminate the gas discharge device, and thereby illuminate the translucent member and the word EXIT. The low voltage is from about 2 volts to about 90 volts and the frequency is from about 75 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

Abstract: A high frequency power supply for distributed luminous tube signage including a master power unit and one or more slave units. The master unit includes a digital oscillator, controller, and electronic switches to induce a switched high frequency waveform across the primary of an output transformer. This waveform is preferably of a non-symmetrical variety to minimize neon bubble formation and mercury gas migration. The output transformer includes one or more low voltage ancillary power outputs for interconnection through appropriate twisted pairs or other transmission medium to the slave units. A high voltage secondary for direct luminous tube connection may also be provided. Various slave unit topologies are contemplated including remote or moving luminous tube segments; electronic controllers and sequencers, and motors.

Abstract: An electronic ballast circuit for discharge lamps, comprising a power factor enhancing and noise removing circuit for enhancing a power factor of an input AC voltage and removing a noise component therefrom, a rectification circuit for full wave-rectifying and smoothing an output voltage from the power factor enhancing and noise removing circuit to output a DC voltage, a drive voltage supply circuit having a primary winding of a first transformer for limiting current, the drive voltage supply circuit receiving the DC voltage from the rectification circuit, limiting an amount of current to a second transformer and supplying an initial drive voltage to an inverter, the second transformer driving the discharge lamps, a base driving circuit having a secondary winding of the first transformer, the base driving circuit supplying a voltage induced in a third winding of the second transformer and a current induced in the secondary winding of the first transformer as base drive voltage and current to the inverter, and

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a remote ballast circuit assembly comprising at least one ballast circuit; a housing having a top panel, an optional perforated bottom panel, two lateral side panels and a back panel, the panels defining a housing interior; the interior being divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the upper chamber having exterior vent openings; at least one ballast coil in the ballast circuit disposed in the upper chamber; at least one resonating capacitor connected with the ballast coil disposed in the lower chamber; primary power connecting means for connecting primary power to the ballast circuit; and load connecting means for connecting a load to the ballast circuit. According to a further feature, the remote ballast circuit assembly according to the invention includes a hinged door panel hingedly attached to the housing for providing access to the housing interior.

Abstract: A lighting system using a 120 volt AC power source and including within a single enclosure a low wattage fluorescent lamp and a low wattage incandescent lamp. The fluorescent lamp provides an efficient light source operating at a low voltage and low wattage, but providing a relatively bright light. The incandescent lamp may be used to provide a more traditional night light having a lower light output than that which is produced by the flourescent lamp. Either the fluorescent lamp or the incandescent lamp is selected by a switch. To obtain the low voltage required by the incandescent lamp, a resistor is placed in parallel with a capacitor to provide a small voltage drop, e.g., from 120 volts to 115 volts. In this configuration, due to the charging and discharging of the capacitor as the current alternates and discharges through the resistance of the incandescent lamp, a relatively low voltage and current pass through the incandescent lamp.

Abstract: A fluorescent light source includes multiple fluorescent lamp tubes driven in parallel by a single RF source. The fluorescent lamp tubes can be twin tube fluorescent lamps or straight fluorescent lamps. RF electrical energy is capacitively coupled to low pressure discharges within each fluorescent lamp tube. External capacitive coupling electrodes can be formed at or near the ends of each fluorescent lamp tube. Alternatively, cold cathode electrodes can be located within the fluorescent lamp tubes. Ballasting of the fluorescent lamp tubes is provided by capacitive coupling between the plasma of the low pressure discharge and the electrodes, thus eliminating the need for external ballasting components.

Abstract: A high efficiency illumination system having lighting fixtures in spaced apart relation, light reflector panels in the lighting fixtures having two side by side central curved portions and two curved side portions on respective sides of the central portions, and the central and side curved portions being angled to one another, lighting tube receptacles in the lighting fixtures to support at least one lighting tube, ballasts for supplying power at the appropriate voltage to the lighting tubes, ballast boxes for containing ballasts separate from the lighting fixtures, heavy duty wiring for supplying power at a first line voltage to the ballast box from a power supply, and, light duty power supply for transmitting power from the ballast box to the lighting fixtures at a second voltage lower than the line voltage, there being a plurality of lighting fixtures connected by respective light duty wiring to a single common ballast box.

Abstract: In a discharge lamp lighting apparatus of this invention, an AC voltage of a commercial AC power source is full-wave-rectified by a rectifier, and this full-wave-rectified AC is smoothed by a smoothing circuit connected to the rectifier. An inverter operated by a series resonance circuit constituted by a resonant choke coil and a capacitor is connected to the rectifier, and field-effect transistors are connected to this series resonance circuit. By the operation of the inverter, a high-frequency AC is induced in a output winding of a boosting transformer having an input winding connected in parallel with the capacitor of the series resonance circuit. The output winding then supplies the induced AC to discharge lamps for lighting the discharge lamps.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for an arc lamp, in particular for a motor vehicle headlight, the power supply circuit being wherein it comprises: means for converting electricity from a low voltage DC supply such as a vehicle battery into an alternating voltage of amplitude which is variable as a function of the state of the lamp; and a voltage-raising transformer, the variable alternating voltage being applied to the primary winding of the transformer and the lamp being connected to the terminals of the secondary winding of the transformer, either directly or else by means of non-inductive components.